Did Faruque Ahmed Just Reveal Government's Request for Him to Resign as BCB Chief?

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Did Faruque Ahmed Just Reveal Government's Request for Him to Resign as BCB Chief?

Synopsis

In a surprising turn of events, Bangladesh Cricket Board President Faruque Ahmed disclosed that the government has asked him to step down. This raises questions about the future leadership of the BCB and the implications of government involvement in cricket. What will Faruque decide, and who might succeed him?

Key Takeaways

  • Faruque Ahmed has been requested to resign by the government.
  • His decision on resignation remains undecided.
  • Government interference may breach ICC ethics.
  • Aminul Islam is a frontrunner to take over as BCB president.
  • Recent changes in leadership at the BCB have sparked speculation.

Dhaka, May 29 (NationPress) President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Faruque Ahmed, has disclosed that the national government has formally requested him to resign from his role.

Faruque, who took over the position after Nazmul Hasan's exit on August 21 last year, was called in by Youth and Sports Affairs Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, who relayed the government's wishes to him on Wednesday.

Faruque acknowledged this request and mentioned that he has yet to reach a conclusion regarding his resignation. "The advisor indicated that they prefer not to continue with me. I have not made any decision as of now (regarding resignation). Let's see how things unfold," Cricbuzz quoted him saying on Thursday.

Should Faruque opt against resigning, the situation may escalate. Removing him without a formal resignation could be interpreted as government interference, violating the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) code of ethics. Previously, the ICC has sanctioned suspensions on Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe for similar instances.

Former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam is reportedly the front-runner to take over from Faruque. Currently a development officer with the ICC, Aminul is expected to request a three-month notice period from his position before potentially assuming the BCB presidency, likely after the board elections set for October. His arrival in Dhaka earlier this week has only intensified speculation regarding a leadership shift at the BCB.

According to Cricbuzz, Aminul has already met with senior government officials to deliberate on various topics, including his prospective role as BCB president. Faruque, who has represented Bangladesh in seven ODIs, has previously held the position of the BCB’s chief selector in two terms—2003 to 2007 and 2013 to 2016. He resigned during his second tenure due to disagreements regarding the expansion of the selection panel.

The National Sports Council (NSC) recently appointed Faruque and veteran coach Nazmul Abedin as its new directors. Both were present at a board of directors meeting at the Ministry of Youth and Sports following their appointments. This change replaced former directors Jalal Yunus and Ahmed Sajjadul Alam, with Yunus stepping down and Alam declining to resign, placing the issue in the NSC's hands.

These transitions occur following Nazmul Hasan's resignation as BCB president, who is currently in London with his wife due to recent student-led protests that erupted after the dissolution of the Sheikh Hasina government.

Point of View

It is crucial to remain impartial in reporting such events. While the government's request for Faruque Ahmed to resign raises concerns about interference in cricket governance, it also opens discussions about leadership transitions and accountability within the BCB. The situation must be viewed through the lens of maintaining the integrity of cricket in Bangladesh.
NationPress
08/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the government ask Faruque Ahmed to resign?
The government has expressed a desire for a change in leadership at the BCB, although specific reasons for this request have not been disclosed.
Who is likely to succeed Faruque Ahmed?
Former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam is currently seen as the leading candidate to replace Faruque Ahmed as BCB president.
What are the implications of government involvement in BCB?
Government interference could violate the ICC's code of ethics, potentially leading to sanctions or suspensions, as seen in past cases with other cricket boards.