Newly elected Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam has hit the ground running with a bold reform agenda aimed at transforming how cricket is run in the country—both structurally and culturally.
In his first major move since taking office, Aminul laid out a comprehensive roadmap during a four-hour board meeting that included a detailed visual presentation—an uncommon move in the BCB’s history.
“This is the first time I saw a board president give a presentation. It was based on his experience working in the ICC. He emphasised four programs: Protect the spirit of the game, high performance for everyone, connect and grow, and transparency and good governance in all areas,” BCB director Iftekhar Rahman Mithu told reporters..
Mini BCBs and regional hubs: the decentralization push
According to a report by Geo Super, the centerpiece of Aminul’s strategy is the decentralization of cricket operations—an effort to reduce the Dhaka-centric grip on cricket infrastructure and development.
“We are immediately launching these two pilot projects. One will be based in Rajshahi and the other in the South. Development of coaches, umpires, and curators will begin through structured programs starting with talent hunts,” said Mithu.
These “mini BCB” projects are designed to function as self-sufficient regional hubs, each driving local talent identification, training, and administrative capability. The broader goal is to create a nationwide network of cricket excellence, not just elite academies but a true grassroots pipeline.
Cleaning up the BPL: payment issues and long-term strategy
Beyond development, Aminul has also turned his attention to governance—starting with the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), which continues to be plagued by financial irregularities and delayed player payments.
“BPL teams have been told to inform us about their due payments. If players from the draft have not been paid, the board will cover it and take legal action against the franchises,” Mithu confirmed.
The board is still chasing BDT 20 crore in outstanding sponsor and franchise dues, a shortfall that could turn this season’s tournament from a marginally profitable one into a financial loss.
“We are still to get BDT 20 crore. If that money comes, we will have a BDT 75 lakh profit. Otherwise, it will be a loss-making tournament,” Mithu said.
Looking ahead, the BCB is determined to raise the standard of the BPL—not just in on-field quality but in off-field professionalism and franchise reliability.
“We want to be very careful before selecting teams for the next BPL. It will be a long-term contract. Our focus is to upgrade the BPL’s image,” he added.
Leadership reset after ministry shake-up
Aminul’s appointment itself followed a dramatic shake-up. Former president Nazmul Hassan Faruque was removed after Bangladesh’s Ministry of Youth and Sports withdrew its nomination of him as a board representative. That decision came in the wake of a no-confidence motion submitted by eight BCB directors, as well as a fact-finding investigation into BPL governance.
The Ministry’s move paved the way for Aminul to assume leadership—and he appears intent on using the opportunity to bring sweeping change.
A new chapter for Bangladesh cricket
From regional reform to financial accountability and culture change, Aminul Islam’s early steps as BCB President signal a potential new chapter for Bangladesh cricket. Whether it’s enough to overcome years of inertia and controversy remains to be seen—but the tone has been set, and it’s one of action, not rhetoric.
