BCB raises concern over NSC probe into 2025 elections

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday expressed concern over a recent National Sports Council (NSC) gazette announcing the formation of a five-member inquiry committee to investigate the 2025 BCB elections.

“This statement is issued in reference to Gazette No. 34.03.0000.000.004.55.0035.24.196, recently published by the National Sports Council concerning the investigation of the Bangladesh Cricket Board election held in October 2025,” a BCB press release said on Monday. 

“The current Board of the Bangladesh Cricket Board is a duly elected and fully operational body functioning in accordance with its constitution and established governance framework. Since assuming office, the Board has continued to discharge its responsibilities and carry out its mandate in the best interests of Bangladesh cricket,” it added.

The press release said the issuance of the gazette had raised significant concern, as it could create uncertainty regarding the stability, independence and continuity of the elected BCB administration.

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board operates within the global governance structure of international cricket and is a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Under the ICC’s governance framework, any action that may be perceived as external intervention in the affairs of an elected cricket board is treated with the utmost seriousness and may trigger a review under ICC governance and compliance provisions,” the statement said.

It further noted that the matter had already been informally discussed with senior representatives of the ICC leadership.

“It was indicated that developments which could be interpreted as interference in the affairs of a democratically elected cricket board may raise governance concerns within the international cricket framework,” the BCB said.

Given the potential international implications, the board said it would first seek clarification from the NSC before initiating any formal communication with the ICC.

“Before initiating any formal communication or proceedings with the ICC, the BCB believes it is appropriate to engage directly with the National Sports Council to seek clarification regarding the context, intent and possible implications of the gazette,” the statement added.

“The BCB remains committed to constructive engagement with all relevant national authorities. At the same time, it is essential that the governance autonomy of the elected cricket administration is preserved in accordance with internationally recognised cricket governance standards.”

The board also requested the NSC to resolve the matter in a way that safeguards the stability and independence of Bangladesh cricket while protecting the country’s standing in international cricket.

Earlier, on March 11, the NSC formed an independent inquiry committee to investigate alleged “irregularities, manipulation and abuse of power” in the 2025 BCB elections.

The five-member committee is headed by retired Supreme Court justice AKM Asaduzzaman.

Other members include Md Selim Fakir, additional secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports; Mohammad Nasirul Islam, joint commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police; veteran sports journalist ATM Saiduzzaman; and Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Saleh Akram Somrat.

The council asked the committee to submit its report to State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque within 15 working days of its formation.

The move followed several complaint letters alleging that the electoral process had been compromised. Club councillors, along with representatives from district and divisional sports associations and universities, recently submitted complaints to the sports ministry.