Aminul Islam
Aminul Islam, Bangladesh’s first-ever Test centurion and a former national team captain, has been appointed as the new president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), following the removal of Faruque Ahmed. This marks a significant leadership change at a time when Bangladesh cricket is navigating both on-field challenges and the broader political instability affecting the country.
Known affectionately in cricketing circles as “Bulbul,” Aminul Islam expressed pride and optimism after taking on the new role. “This is a new high for me,” he told reporters, reflecting on his journey from being a cricketing pioneer to now leading the sport’s top administrative body in Bangladesh.
Aminul captained Bangladesh in their first-ever World Cup appearance in 1999 and was the nation’s first Test centurion, scoring a memorable 145 against India in 2000. Following his retirement from international cricket, the 57-year-old transitioned into development roles within the sport, working with both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to promote the game in emerging cricketing nations.
His appointment follows the ouster of Faruque Ahmed, who had assumed the BCB presidency after Nazmul Hassan, a close political ally of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stepped down amid a wave of political unrest.
In August 2024, Hasina was forced to flee the country by helicopter as protesters stormed her residence, triggering a ripple effect across national institutions, including the cricket board.
The BCB directors convened on Friday and elected Aminul Islam to serve as the board’s president until October. His short-term leadership comes at a crucial moment, as Bangladesh cricket is reeling from a humiliating T20 series defeat against the United Arab Emirates in May.
The loss has intensified calls for strategic reform and a renewed focus on player performance and development.
As BCB president, Aminul will now be tasked with stabilizing the administration, rebuilding public confidence, and guiding the national team back to a competitive footing. With his deep experience in cricket development and leadership, many in the cricketing community hope he can steer Bangladesh cricket through this turbulent period.
