Bangladesh Cricket Board president Faruque Ahmed likely to ‘resign’

Speculation is mounting over whether Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed is about to step down. Though no official announcement has been made, insiders suggest that a resignation may be imminent - though it’s unclear whether it would be voluntary.

According to sources, Faruque Ahmed met with youth and sports adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain on Wednesday, where he was informed that the government is looking to make a change at the top of the BCB. However, no reasons were given for this decision. When contacted, the BCB chief confirmed the meeting but declined to share details about what was discussed.

The backdrop of this situation is a political shift that occurred on 5 August, after which two National Sports Council (NSC)-nominated BCB directors - Jalal Yunus and Ahmed Sazzadul Alam, both from the previous Nazmul Hassan-led board - were removed. In their place, Faruque Ahmed and cricket analyst Nazmul Abedin were appointed. Later, Faruque was elected as BCB president through a board vote, following the resignation of Nazmul Hassan.

However, this current turbulence raises a constitutional dilemma. The International Cricket Council (ICC) strongly opposes government interference in cricket boards. While the NSC can replace directors it nominates, it has no jurisdiction over elected positions such as the BCB presidency. This makes any forced removal of Faruque Ahmed a potential violation of ICC rules, which previously led to suspensions for countries like Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

Still, if Faruque resigns voluntarily, the ICC would not view it as interference. Sources say he has asked for some time to consider his decision and may make it public soon.

Meanwhile, former Bangladesh captain and current ICC official Aminul Islam Bulbul has emerged as a potential interim BCB president. His current ICC contract ends next month, fueling speculation that he might step in for three months or even head a government-backed interim committee to oversee elections next October - though this would be unconstitutional under BCB rules.

There‍‍`s also chatter that Aminul could be offered the CEO role at BCB, but sources claim he has demanded double the current CEO’s salary. Efforts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful, but it’s confirmed he was not part of the recent meeting between Faruque Ahmed and the sports adviser.

As the situation unfolds, Bangladesh cricket finds itself at a delicate crossroads, with administrative uncertainty looming large just as the sport gears up for crucial international commitments.