BCB Election: A Lacklustre Affair

Nazmul Hasan Papon had been at the helm of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for over an era. But following the July mass uprising last year, he fled the country. For nearly a year since, the board's affairs have been run by the outgoing committee. This time, after much controversy and drama, the long-awaited BCB election was held on Monday (October 6). Though everyone had expected a highly competitive poll after the schedule was announced.

The announcement that former national team captain Tamim Iqbal and outgoing BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul would contest for the president's post had sparked widespread discussion. While initial buzz generated excitement, it soon fizzled out. Tamim raised allegations of irregularities in the process, complicating matters. In the end, the country's premier opener withdrew from the race. Along with him, 20 others pulled their nominations on similar grounds. Yet, the much-anticipated election took place at a five-star hotel in the capital, bypassing all the hype.

The enthusiasm and frenzy expected around the poll were nowhere to be seen. Most of the time, participants whiled away the hours in a rather listless manner. Voter turnout was extremely low, casting a pall over the entire event. Officials waited idly for the few voters to arrive, making the whole affair feel like a mere formality.

Six directors from Category-1 had already been elected unopposed. Likewise, Aminul Islam Bulbul and Nazmul Abedin Fahim were elected from the Dhaka division without contest. Now, the cricket governing body will have two directors from the Rajshahi and Rangpur division as well. And who those might be is pretty clear.

In the Dhaka metropolitan clubs category too, 12 directors were elected unopposed. The withdrawal of Tamim loyalists at the eleventh hour had turned the president's race into a simple arithmetic. Thus, the would-be unopposed directors awaited only the formal announcement from the election commissioner. In Category-3, two candidates are vying for one post.

Cricket enthusiasts can already guess who will be the next BCB president. With Tamim's exit, Aminul Islam Bulbul's election to the top post is virtually certain. The initial excitement and competitive vibe had gradually waned as the poll neared its end. While senior vice-president Nazmul Abedin Fahim's position is assured, it's unclear who will bag the other vice-president slot. Rumors suggest former president Faruk Ahmed might get it. All in all, cricket lovers are left waiting to see the conclusion of this colourless BCB election.