Aminul Rejects Claims of Government Meddling in BCB Election Process

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam said he did not feel there was any government interference in the upcoming BCB elections, scheduled for October 6. Aminul, who replaced Faruque Ahmed, completed his tenure on Sunday (October 5). He maintained that he was not in a position to comment on those who withdrew from the election race.

Earlier, Tamim Iqbal withdrew from the elections, alleging government interference after 15 clubs were barred from participating. However, on Sunday, a court order stated that there was no bar on the 15 clubs taking part in the polls.

"I know that he (sports adviser) went to various places day and night and tried to ensure not just a fair election, but that a good board is formed. And here, I don't feel any influence (from the government)," Bulbul told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

"Who is boycotting this or who is not coming here is their personal matter. I want to stay within what is happening according to the Constitution, under the Election Commission, and I will not say anything outside of that," he said.

"I am learning every day. I have learned one thing - that every hour changes. I mean, everything changes after an hour. So, there are still about 20 hours left for the vote. Let's see what happens," he added. "Whether the vote is ideal or not, the Election Commission can say that. There will be ups and downs in the vote, and this is my first time. Maybe I think this is normal."

Aminul added that he has learned a lot during this period and feels ready to take on the board's responsibilities on a long-term basis.

"The first achievement I would like to mention is realising how important the team is. The directors who have been with us till today, and the officials - we've had days when we launched major programmes with just two days of preparation, all together. It made me feel that we truly worked as a team; that is my biggest success," he said.

"And the experience I have gained in the last four months - I have achieved quite a few successes with the full cooperation of the ten honorable directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, along with all its employees and officials," he said. "And if I have to talk about failure, it seems to me that I need to improve my communication with you."

BCB director Najmul Abedin said the board had managed to build a strong network across the country. "There are quite a few things that are visible, and there are also quite a few that are not. The network that has already been created across the country, the communication that has been established with all 64 districts, and the detailed discussions we have had on implementation - these were initiated long before this election," said Najmul.

"That is probably a major achievement that may not yet be visible to many. We have also discussed various infrastructural issues with the government and have made significant progress in several areas," he added.

Soumya Sarkar ruled out of T20I series due to visa issues

Meanwhile, Najmul confirmed that Soumya Sarkar has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series due to visa complications, while Naim Sheikh awaits clearance to travel to the UAE.

Cricbuzz had earlier reported that Soumya would miss the series owing to the visa delay.

"We sent all the necessary papers on time. Not just Soumya - Naim Sheikh's visa hasn't arrived either. Once it does, he'll leave immediately. We kept waiting till yesterday (for Soumya), and even if he had got the visa at night, he was ready to fly. But since today's the last T20, there's no point in going now. It's unfortunate," said the BCB cricket operations chairman.

"Getting UAE visas has become quite complicated recently, so nothing can be confirmed in advance," he added.

The three-match ODI series against Afghanistan is scheduled to begin on Wednesday at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. If the visa delay continues, Bangladesh may have to start the series without the 26-year-old opener Naim Sheikh.