Aminul Islam Bulbul’s ascension to the presidency of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) came as a surprise to many, following an abrupt shift in leadership that saw Faruque Ahmed ousted from contention. Bulbul, a revered former captain and the nation’s first Test centurion, assumed the role with a quiet determination that sharply contrasts with the political fervour surrounding cricket administration. His tenure, underscored by restraint and professionalism, has been defined by a low-profile approach and rigorous engagement with regional cricket development — from Dhaka to Chattogram, Sylhet to Khulna — in a bid to decentralise the board’s activities.
Though appointed for a defined interim period, reportedly until October 2025, Bulbul has made it clear that he harbours no ambition to extend his stay or contest the forthcoming elections. Despite his popularity and international credentials, he remains focused on fulfilment of his current mandate and has not expressed interest in leading the board permanently. His demeanour has lent stability to the BCB’s operations at a time when questions abound about its future direction.
Speculation within cricket circles is intense, particularly regarding who might contest for directorial and presidential positions in the upcoming election. Among the current board members, Mahbub Anam, Iftikhar Rahman Mithu and Fahim Sinha are seen as likely candidates, especially within the Dhaka club quota where their influence is considerable. Anam, in particular, commands deep respect owing to his decades-long tenure as a leading organiser at Mohammedan SC and his extensive connections across cricketing and political spheres.
Several other prominent figures such as Salahuddin of Gazi Group, Aziz Al Kaiser Tito of Partex, and Masuduzzaman from the garments sector are also being discussed as potential board directors. Meanwhile, the presidency appears to be a contested zone, with names like Syed Ashraful Haque, Ali Asgar Lobi and Kutubuddin Ahmed circulating, though their interest remains conditional on political and strategic alignment. Mahbub Anam too is being quietly positioned as a strong contender, should the more high-profile candidates decline.
Tamim Iqbal, once vocal about leading the board, has taken a step back following health concerns, although sources suggest his interest remains intact. Likewise, Nazmul Abedin Fahim is expected to return to the board through nomination from the National Sports Council, irrespective of the election’s outcome. With the timing of the BCB election potentially hinging on the national parliamentary schedule, it remains to be seen whether October’s vote proceeds as planned or is deferred until after a new government takes office. In either scenario, Bulbul’s temporary stewardship continues to be viewed as a stabilising force amidst the shifting sands of cricket politics — a calm, methodical presence at the eye of the storm.
