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Bangladesh cricket team (Source: @BCBtigers/X.com)
Syed Ashraful Haque, the former Bangladesh cricketer and ACC chief, has expressed his desire to take over the presidency of the cricket board. However, Haque has also hinted at various problems ahead of him, which include the influence of the government and lack of transparency.
In an interview with the Daily Star, as mentioned by Times Now, Syed Ashraful Haque stated that he cannot become President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board if there is government interference and free and fair elections are not held.
“I’m interested, provided there is no interference or there is no influence from the government. If there is any, I don’t think I can go there. Secondly, it has to be a completely free and fair election,” as quoted by Times Now.
Syed Ashraful Haque Reveals Syndicate Influence In BCB's Decision Making
He also alleged that there is a syndicate within the BCB that controls 20-30 clubs. He added that he doesn't have the financial capability to buy their votes through money, and thus, if there is no fair election, the process should not be held at all. His remarks are clear indication of an unfair enviroment in Bangladesh's apex cricket board.
“I have heard about a syndicate at the BCB and some of them have 20-30 clubs of their own. I don’t have the financial capability of getting their votes through money. I don’t think I can succeed in that. But if there is no free and fair election, I don’t think there is any reason of holding the election.”
The former cricketer also added that his announcement to contest the presidential election has been received well by only a few genuine people. He also revealed that he has met some people too, but confirmed that there has been no formal announcement by members. Also, Haque indirectly stated that he is an honest man, and thus, the syndicate will not allow him to take the post.
“Since my announcement, there is no update yet. Few people have come to meet me and they are genuinely good people. I said to them, ‘You guys also should be directors.’ I can say they are club people. But nobody has formally told me that they would give me a councillorship. I know getting councillorship isn’t the biggest thing. I know I will get it. But if there is any kind of syndicate, it will not be possible for me because they know if I become BCB president, the whole thing will change.”
These statements by a reputed man like Syed Ashraful Haque clearly indicate a deep malaise in Bangladesh cricket. There have been reports of corruption in the past, too, and if they are true, Bangladesh cricket might face its dark consequences.
