Bangladesh cricket woke to significant news on Tuesday: the sports ministry has dissolved the Aminul Islam-led board and asked Tamim Iqbal to steer an 11-member ad-hoc committee. At 37, the former opener becomes the youngest president in the board’s history, and he inherits a list of immediate tasks, from calming internal politics to reassuring the ICC that local cricket remains on a steady path.
The changes follow a five-member government enquiry that examined last October’s board elections and other complaints. Their findings, presented at the National Sports Council (NSC), were blunt. NSC sports director Mohammed Aminul Ahesan told reporters, “As part of the National Sports Council’s responsibility, we have informed the ICC that this board of directors was not formed in a proper manner, and is not able to complete its work in a proper manner. We have informed the ICC our decision to dissolve this board of directors… Therefore, we are optimistic about the BCB and we think that the ICC will definitely uphold this decision.” Those words leave little doubt about the government’s view of how the previous board functioned.
Alongside Tamim sit former national captain Minhajul Abedin and ex-all-rounder-turned-commentator Athar Ali Khan. The remaining eight members – Rashna Imam, Mirza Yea sir Abbas, Syed Ibrahim Ahmed, Israfil Khasru, Tanjil Chowdhury, Salman Ispahani, Rafiqul Islam and Fahim Sinha – bring a mix of business, law and regional cricket administration experience. Their initial term is understood to last until fresh elections can be arranged, though no date has been offered.
Aminul Islam, removed after less than two years in charge, had publicly vowed to “stay on” only 48 hours earlier. His board was already under pressure: Bangladesh missed the recent men’s T20 World Cup, six directors have resigned since January, and whispers of favouritism had grown louder.
For Tamim, who retired from international cricket last year, diplomacy may be as important as any strategic plan. He must satisfy government overseers, win over sceptical directors and keep the national teams focussed on a busy 2026 schedule. Privately, several senior players welcomed his appointment, noting his “understanding of a modern dressing room”, though they stressed results, not politics, will ultimately judge the move.
Further details, including timelines for fresh elections and any constitutional tweaks, are expected from the sports ministry in the coming weeks.
