Dhaka, Jun 01 (V7N) – In response to Bangladesh’s continued decline in cricket performance, major leadership changes have been made in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), according to Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan.

Speaking to reporters at the 35th National Handball Championship held at the Handball Stadium in Paltan on Saturday, Asif Mahmud said, “I cannot let cricket decline under my leadership. Although we had expectations from the BCB, they have not been fulfilled.”

He clarified that Faruk Ahmed was not removed from the BCB presidency due to any allegations of corruption. Rather, the decision was based solely on the team's declining performance.

“If a player fails consistently, the selectors don’t keep him in the team. The same logic applies here,” said Mahmud.

Faruk Ahmed’s term had a promising start, including a historic Test series win in Pakistan, but since then, Bangladesh’s overall cricketing performance has deteriorated. Based on this, eight out of nine current BCB directors submitted a letter of no confidence to the National Sports Council (NSC) demanding his removal.

The NSC then withdrew Faruk Ahmed’s nomination and appointed Aminul Islam Bulbul, former national captain and ICC development officer, as the new BCB president.

Asif Mahmud added that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been notified of the leadership change and has welcomed the decision.

“There will be no ICC ban. We are in touch with them, and they are fully aware of the current situation. The ICC has applauded the new leadership,” he assured.

He also addressed the controversies surrounding the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), especially the financial scandal involving the Durbar Rajshahi franchise, saying the matter has embarrassed the government.

“Despite the franchise’s poor track record, I gave them another chance. But the situation became so bad that the government had to step in to clear hotel bills and player salaries,” Mahmud said.

He noted that the report of an independent investigation committee on the BPL was also considered during the leadership reshuffle.

The new BCB leadership, according to Mahmud, has been selected in accordance with ICC guidelines, and aims to revive the standard of cricket in Bangladesh.

END/MSS/AJ