Tamim Iqbal Named Adhoc President of Bangladesh Cricket

The National Sports Council of Bangladesh on Tuesday dissolved the board led by president Aminul Islam Bulbul and appointed former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal as president of an 11-member adhoc committee of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

NSC Sports Director Aminul Ahesan announced the decision at a press conference at the council’s meeting room, presenting findings of an investigation into last year’s BCB elections held on October 6. The polls saw 23 directors elected from three categories alongside two NSC-nominated members.

According to the NSC, a five-member probe committee, led by retired Supreme Court justice AKM Asaduzzaman, found irregularities across all categories of the election. Based on the findings, the council dissolved the board under Section 21 of its 2018 policy, which allows action against any sports body under its jurisdiction, if irregularities are proven.

The adhoc committee, headed by Tamim, has been given a three-month mandate to organise fresh elections while overseeing regular cricket operations in the interim.

“The investigation committee has identified multiple irregularities, which have been detailed in its report. As the board did not function properly and irregularities and corruption were found in its formation, the NSC has decided to dissolve the committee,” NSC Sports Director Aminul said.

He added that the decision has been communicated to the International Cricket Council (ICC) through email, expressing confidence that there is no risk of sanctions over alleged government interference.

In response, Bulbul termed the move a “constitutional coup” and denied any irregularities in the October 2025 elections. In a press release issued later on Tuesday, he rejected the probe report as “defective, whimsical and legally untenable”, claiming the election was conducted transparently and that the NSC lacks jurisdiction over a concluded electoral process.

He also described the adhoc committee as illegal and in violation of ICC rules, called for ICC intervention, and maintained that he remains the “legitimate BCB president until the High Court rules otherwise.”

The investigation report cited a range of issues. In Category 1, it flagged deadline manipulation, interference by government and the NSC, questions over the validity of adhoc committees, lack of transparency in voter lists, and the role of a former sports adviser. In Category 2, it identified coercion and threats, e-voting manipulation, and preferential treatment, while Category 3 included allegations of abuse of presidential powers and constitutional violations.

The committee also recommended reforms such as separation of powers, independent governance, and improved technical integrity.

The other 10 members of the adhoc committee are Rashna Imam, Mirza Yasir Abbas, Syed Ibrahim Ahmed, Israfil Khosru, Minhajul Abedin, Athar Ali Khan, Tanjil Chowdhury, Salman Ispahani, Rafiqul Islam Babu and Fahim Sinha.

Minhajul Abedin and Athar Ali Khan are the two other former national cricketers alongside Tamim in the adhoc committee.

Four members are linked to the leaders of the ruling party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), either as spouses or sons. Barrister Rashna Imam is the wife of BNP lawmaker Bobby Hajjaj, while Mirza Yasir Abbas, Syed Ibrahim Ahmed and Israfil Khosru are sons of senior political figures Mirza Abbas, Salahuddin Ahmed and Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, respectively.

The panel also includes several former BCB directors -- Tanjil Chowdhury, Salman Ispahani, Rafiqul Islam and Fahim Sinha -- with backgrounds in banking, business and sports administration.

Among the 11 adhoc committee members, six were present physically while five others joined virtually for a meeting held at the BCB in Mirpur yesterday, with Tamim urging those interested from among the committee members to participate in the next BCB elections.

“We will definitely take part in the elections. I will request those who are interested to contest,” Tamim said at a press conference at the BCB headquarters later in the night, addressing the media for the first time since being appointed the head of adhoc committee.

Tamim, who retired from international cricket in January last year, last played domestic cricket on March 24 last year before suffering a heart attack during a match at the BKSP. Although he recovered, he has not returned to competitive cricket. He had initially planned to contest the previous BCB elections but withdrew at the last moment, citing concerns over irregularities and external influence.

Meanwhile, Bulbul had taken charge on May 30, replacing former board president Faruque Ahmed following a no-confidence motion by directors and the NSC’s withdrawal of his nomination. His tenure was marked by controversies – most notably Bangladesh’s absence from the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup under the previous interim government’s directive. The other controversies include strained relations with clubs and uncertainty surrounding domestic competitions.

In recent weeks, the board also saw a wave of resignations, with seven directors stepping down. While most cited personal reasons, several anonymously said that frustrations over limited influence, lack of consultation, and political dynamics played a role.