Tamim Iqbal becomes youngest Bangladesh Cricket Board president

DHAKA: Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal was appointed president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday after the National Sports Council (NSC) dissolved the board of directors following an investigation into elections held in October.

According to NSC sports director Mohammed Aminul Ahesan, a committee that reviewed the election process found irregularities. He told reporters in Dhaka that the board had been dissolved after the inquiry into the October polls.

Tamim, 37, has become the youngest person to head the BCB. He will lead an 11-member ad hoc committee formed after the dissolution of the previous board.

The committee includes former Bangladesh captain Minhajul Abedin and former cricketer and television commentator Athar Ali Khan. Its other members are Rashna Imam, Mirza Yeasir Abbas, Syed Ibrahim Ahmed, Israfil Khasru, Tanjil Chowdhury, Salman Ispahani, Rafiqul Islam and Fahim Sinha.

Ahesan said the matter had also been taken up with the International Cricket Council (ICC). He stated, “ we have informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that this board of directors was not formed in a proper manner, and is not able to complete its work in a proper manner” and added, “We think that the ICC will definitely uphold this decision.”

Previous board and upcoming series

The previous board of directors was headed by Aminul Islam. He was behind Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India for this year’s Twenty20 World Cup, citing safety concerns.

Bangladesh were subsequently replaced by Scotland in the tournament.

The change in the BCB leadership comes ahead of Bangladesh’s home series against New Zealand. Bangladesh are scheduled to host New Zealand in a tour comprising three one-day internationals, three T20 internationals and two Test matches, starting on April 17.

Tamim’s appointment marks a major administrative change in Bangladesh cricket after the NSC moved against the previous board over the conduct of the October elections. With the ad hoc committee now in place, the BCB will be led by a former national captain who has become its youngest-ever president.

The NSC’s action followed the findings of its committee on the election process, while officials also indicated that the ICC had been informed of the reasons behind the decision. The newly formed committee includes former players, administrators and other members named by the authorities to oversee the board’s affairs.