As the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) heads toward its October elections, clarity remains elusive. What was once expected to be a straightforward contest has now descended into a haze of uncertainty, shifting alliances, and strategic withdrawals. Even seasoned organisers are struggling to make sense of the unfolding drama.
The most striking development is the quiet retreat of Mahbub Anam — a name long considered central to the board’s power structure. With over two decades of uninterrupted service, and the backing of nearly half of Dhaka’s club councillors, Mahbub was widely tipped to be a frontrunner. Yet, despite commanding influence within the current directorate, he has chosen to step away.
His decision comes amid growing internal resistance. A rival bloc, reportedly comprising figures such as Gazi Group’s Salauddin, Bashundhara’s Shahneen Tanim, Ishtiaque Sadek, and Tamim Iqbal, has emerged with significant club support. What was once a unified front now appears fractured, with former allies distancing themselves and new coalitions forming.
Adding to the pressure, a resurfaced social media post detailing Mahbub’s 2016 property purchase in Antigua and Barbuda — and his application for citizenship there — has gone viral. While the timing of the post raises questions, its impact has been palpable. Many within the cricketing fraternity view it as a calculated attempt to undermine his credibility ahead of the polls.
Mahbub himself has cited the “dirty” nature of the current environment as his reason for stepping aside. “Everything looks so unpleasant,” he remarked, distancing himself from what he perceives as a toxic electoral climate. Sources close to him suggest the decision was influenced by family concerns over reputational damage, particularly in light of his long-standing association with boards under political regimes.
His withdrawal leaves a vacuum. With Aminul Islam Bulbul yet to confirm his candidacy, and other names such as Syed Ashraful Haque, Kutubuddin Ahmed, and Ali Asgar Lobbi being floated, the race for BCB presidency remains wide open. But more than names, it’s the nature of the contest — marked by personal attacks, shifting loyalties, and strategic leaks — that has cast a shadow over the institution.
Bangladesh cricket deserves better. The BCB, as the country’s richest sporting body, should be a beacon of professionalism and integrity. Instead, it finds itself mired in intrigue. Mahbub Anam’s exit may not be the end of the story — but it is a telling chapter in a saga that continues to unfold.
