BCB asks sports ministry to shut investigation committee

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday warned the government against interference after the sports ministry formed a committee to investigate the board's elections held last year.

The ministry formed a five-member body and gave it 15 working days, starting March 11, to look into allegations of "irregularities, manipulation and abuse of power" in the BCB elections, which resulted in Aminul Islam becoming president.

The BCB stated it has informally discussed the matter with senior ICC representatives. It indicated that developments which could be interpreted as interference in a democratically elected cricket board may raise governance concerns internationally.

"Given the potential implications for Bangladesh cricket at the international level, the BCB considers it important to address this matter with due care and transparency," the board said. It added that before any formal communication with the ICC, it believes it is appropriate to engage directly with the National Sports Council for clarification.

The BCB has requested the sports ministry to shut down the investigation committee, stating this would protect Bangladesh cricket.

"Accordingly, the BCB has requested the National Sports Council to close this matter in a manner that safeguards the stability, independence, and continued progress of Bangladesh cricket, while also ensuring that the country's standing within the international cricket community remains fully protected," the statement added.

Notably, Tamim Iqbal decided to quit the election midway, citing government interference, amid allegations of election engineering.

Furthermore, a large section of the Dhaka clubs, which form Category-2 in the BCB elections, have called the current BCB board of directors illegal following the elections and have boycotted the 2025-26 season's Dhaka leagues.