The Bangladesh Cricket Board has issued a clear warning over the formation and promotion of district-level cricket bodies without its approval, stressing that organisations created independently by individuals or groups cannot claim recognition as official district cricket associations.
The BCB said it had recently noticed publicity surrounding various initiatives in different parts of the country involving the formation of district-based cricket organisations and activities aimed at developing, organising and promoting the sport.
In a statement, the board clarified that it has no relationship, affiliation, recognition or approval of any kind with such organisations or initiatives. They therefore cannot be treated as authorised or recognised district cricket associations under the BCB’s organisational structure.
The board referred specifically to several provisions of its constitution to explain its position. Article 6.2 assigns the BCB responsibility for expanding and coordinating cricket organisations across the country and for ensuring the formation of regional and district cricket associations according to regions determined by the board for the effective administration of cricket.
Article 6.4 also gives the BCB authority to recognise affiliated cricket organisations mentioned in its constitution and regulate their activities. The provision further covers the recognition, administration and control of regional and district cricket associations formed by the BCB, as well as other regional and affiliated organisations.
The constitutional framework also sets out specific requirements for district cricket associations. Under Article 9.1(b), a district cricket association must be formed in accordance with policies and regulations approved by the BCB. Such an association is also expected to participate regularly in competitions organised by the board, including the National Cricket League, National Cricket Championship, national youth and age-group tournaments and other BCB competitions.
There is also a responsibility at the local level. A recognised district cricket association is required to organise regular cricket leagues within its own area, creating a structured pathway for competitive cricket and helping maintain the connection between grassroots cricket and the national system.
The BCB constitution also provides for districts where the necessary administrative and infrastructural facilities of a district cricket association have not yet been established. In such circumstances, the relevant district sports association can be regarded as the district cricket association.
The board’s latest clarification means that simply forming an organisation and using the title ‘district cricket association’ does not provide it with official status. Recognition depends on compliance with the BCB constitution, applicable policies and regulations, as well as formal approval from the board.
The BCB has therefore drawn a firm distinction between independent cricket initiatives and organisations that form part of its recognised administrative structure. Local groups may seek to promote cricket, but they cannot represent themselves as BCB-recognised district cricket associations without the required approval.
According to the board, any organisation or group that claims to be a district cricket association without BCB recognition or approval will be regarded as an unauthorised body acting contrary to the BCB constitution.
The clarification is intended to remove uncertainty over the status of district-level cricket organisations and to ensure that cricket administration at the local level operates within the structure established by the national governing body.
