Tamim Iqbal in press conference (Source:@cricketangon/X.com)
Bangladesh recently whitewashed Afghanistan in the T20I series and did decently in the Asia Cup as well. Thus, they seem to be moving in the right direction, at least in the shortest format of the game. However, the crisis outside the cricket field is increasing with each passing day, with allegations of corruption in the BCB elections.
38 clubs to boycott Bangladesh's domestic cricket
Recently, Aminul Islam Bulbul was announced as the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board amidst talks of government interference and widespread irregularities. Tamim Iqbal also withdrew his candidature, stating the same problems a few days before the election date. Now, Iqbal and organisers like Masuduzzaman and Abdullah Al Fuad Redwan have announced that 38 clubs will boycott all the domestic leagues in the country.
"We won't play. Not only in Dhaka, but at the district level as well, we are boycotting," Masuduzzaman, councillor and chairman of Mohammedan's cricket committee, said during the press conference, according to Daily Star.
Masuduzzaman also said that the election was manipulated and they do not recognize it, calling the new president illegitimate. Thus, with the spirit of cricket being compromised, the cricket in the country will be suspended. Tamim Iqbal too expressed strong opinions and highlighted malpractices.
“The election held on the 6th was completely manipulated. We do not recognize this election. In our view, the newly elected president Aminul Islam Bulbul is illegitimate. Since the spirit of cricket has been compromised, we hereby declare that we will not participate in any league, from the Premier Division to the lower tiers. For now, cricket will remain suspended,” Masuduzzaman said.
Thus, it would be interesting to see how the government and the elected members of the BCB react to these boycott calls. It can have big implications on the structure of Bangladesh cricket, and with some big tournaments coming up, the stakeholders would have to find a solution soon.
