Bangladesh sports minister to consult ICC before deciding BCB future amid ongoing probe

Bangladesh’s sports minister Aminul Haque has said that any decision on the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s future will follow consultation with the International Cricket Council after an ongoing probe report is submitted.

The sports ministry formed a five-member committee on March 11 to examine allegations of irregularities, manipulation and abuse of power during last year’s BCB elections. The panel has been given 15 working days to submit its findings. 

Haque confirmed he would review the report before initiating talks with the ICC. He said,

"We are all aware of direct interference from our previous government in the BCB elections last year. I have spoken about it on a number of occasions. Following allegations from Dhaka clubs and the districts, we have formed an investigation committee. I will read their report, but my next step will come after I have spoken to the ICC."

The BCB has opposed the move, describing the formation of the committee as government interference.

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Election process and councillor nominations under scrutiny amid allegations

The probe will examine election procedures, including claims raised by Dhaka clubs and district bodies over councillor nominations and alleged influence. Haque said multiple stakeholders would be questioned. He said,

"The investigation committee will speak to the BCB election commissioners, the current board president, BCB directors and the CEO. It will also get in touch with the district administrators who nominated the BCB councillors."

Concerns include replacement of nominated councillors.

"There is an allegation that many of these district administrators sent the name of a new councillor after having already nominated one, following receipt of a letter [from Aminul]. I believe there has to be a neutral investigation of these matters."

Former captain Tamim Iqbal had alleged election engineering and withdrew before the polls, while BCB president Aminul Islam denied the claims.

Separate inquiry planned into Bangladesh’s absence from T20 World Cup

The ministry will also launch a second investigation into Bangladesh’s absence from the men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh declined to travel, citing security concerns after weeks of discussions, leading to Scotland replacing them in the tournament.

Haque said a review would follow.

"We will try to find out why we didn't go to the World Cup. We have to understand why our sports diplomacy fell short. We will form an investigation committee on this subject after Eid. We have to strengthen our sports diplomacy and make sure we don't repeat this mistake in the future."