The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will have a new president after incumbent Nazmul Hasan was given responsibility for the Ministry of Youth and Sports following his victory in the general election.
Despite there being no legal impediments to holding both positions simultaneously, Nazmul has expressed concerns over potential perceptions of bias if he were to continue in both roles. He stated that while there is no direct conflict between his ministerial role and the BCB presidency, as there have been instances of individuals holding similar dual roles both domestically and internationally, he believes it would be more appropriate to focus solely on his ministerial duties to avoid any speculation of favoritism towards cricket.
“There are no problems in the law about me holding both posts (BCB president and Minister of Youth and Sports),” Nazmul told reporters.
Nazmul has been at the helm of the BCB since 2012 and has emphasized the importance of not rushing into a decision that could negatively impact Bangladesh’s cricket. He mentioned the need for discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding his committee responsibilities, as he currently chairs one of the committees and the ICC typically prefers elected bodies to complete their full terms.
“There is no relationship between getting ministry and leaving from the post of BCB because earlier there were several ministers who also fulfilled the roles. It is also there abroad and so that is not the issue.”
With the next BCB elections not due until October 2025, should Nazmul step down immediately, a current director from within the BCB will be required to take over on an interim basis, as per the organization’s constitution and the guidelines set by the ICC that prevent government interference and mandate an electoral process for the president’s position.
“But it would be good if that is not the case (holding both the posts) because then there might be speculations of me prioritizing cricket. I want to prioritize everything (being the Minister of Sports),” he added.
BCB’s elections are due only in October 2025 and an existing member of the governing body may take charge on an interim basis in case Nazmul quits.
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