DHAKA: Tamim Iqbal has been elected as the new president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for a three-year term during board elections held in Dhaka on Sunday. The former Bangladesh captain was projected… Tamim ran for the position unopposed after chairing the ad-hoc committee of the board over the last two months. It starts a four-year term in charge of Bangladesh cricket
The election is also a result of major admin changes within the BCB. Certainly, earlier this year the Bangladesh government disbanded the previously elected board led by Aminul Islam. The decision was based on an investigation committee’s results, apparently finding corruption such bodies within the former administration’s staff. The committee further suggested a set of governance and constitutional changes that were aimed at enhancing the administration of the sport in the nation.
In a post-election speech, Tamim highlighted the need to reconsider the board’s constitution and right any wrongs. As any change would need broad acknowledgement by the cricketing population – including the board’s huge legion of councillors. As Tamim noted, real reforms can only be realized after open and collective debate among stakeholders.
The ex-opener admitted that he is still in the initial stages of his transition from player to administrator. He acknowledged that he is still getting to know a lot of the people involved in cricket administration and stressed that it is better to take your time before making any big calls. Tamim said that he will be working with the stakeholders in and around the cricketing structure to identify where changes are required.
Among the first measures of his administration, he noted, will be transparency and accountability. According to Tamim, as far as the future of Bangladesh cricket is concerned – building trust and ensuring good governance was crucial. He was confident that the BCB can bring about changes for a stronger future of the game, if they manage to work together with board members, councillors and other stakeholders.
And with the advent of Tamim as a new face behind Bangladeshi cricket, it is hoped that his election – one of Bangladesh’s most successful semi-retired cricketers – will help steer the board through what may very well be something of a transition and developmental period.
