Aminul’s priorities: Key tasks for the new BCB president

Aminul Islam Bulbul has officially taken charge as the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), stepping into one of the most demanding roles in the country’s sporting landscape.

A respected former captain and ICC development officer, Bulbul’s arrival brings a wave of optimism — but also places him at the center of a board facing multiple layers of crisis.

These are the five key challenges that now sit at the top of his agenda.

Constitutional amendment

BCB’s constitution has long been criticized for its lack of transparency and overt political influence. The way directors are elected or appointed has raised questions about fairness and governance.

After the July uprising last year, Faruque Ahmed had prioritized constitutional reform, and director Najmul Abedin Fahim led a committee tasked with drafting changes.

But in January, the process was abruptly suspended to allow for broader stakeholder input. Since then, no progress has been shared publicly.

Bulbul now inherits this politically sensitive and legally complex issue. His challenge will be to revive and push through amendments that introduce term limits, reduce political interference, and ensure a more democratic and cricket-centric board structure.

BPL fixing and integrity issues

Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) remains mired in controversy. Despite past promises of a cleaner competition, fresh allegations of spot-fixing and mismanagement surfaced during the most recent edition. The BCB formed an internal investigation committee, but their findings have yet to be made public. Bulbul must see this process through transparently.

Restoring the league’s credibility will require a stronger anti-corruption framework, stricter vetting of franchise owners, and perhaps a reevaluation of the BPL’s entire operating model. Rebuilding trust in the BPL — both with fans and international stakeholders — will be one of Bulbul’s toughest early tests.

Broadcasting deal and commercial rights

At present, the BCB has no official broadcast partner, leaving a major revenue stream untapped. Negotiations for a long-term deal began under Faruque’s leadership but were left unfinished. Bulbul must now lead the effort to secure a fair and transparent broadcast contract.

This includes exploring tender-based rights auctions, as seen in other major cricketing nations, and considering separate packaging for digital and linear rights.

A smart, transparent broadcasting deal could not only boost revenue but also enhance the board’s global visibility.

Corruption and internal governance

Persistent allegations of corruption — ranging from financial irregularities to controversies in third-division league operations — have undermined the board’s credibility.

These concerns have escalated to the point where the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is reportedly investigating multiple aspects of BCB’s operations.

For Bulbul, cleaning up the board internally will be a delicate but necessary mission. He must implement strict auditing procedures, establish a clear conflict-of-interest policy, and consider introducing independent oversight. This battle will demand both political will and administrative tact.

Cricket development and pathways

Despite producing individual stars, Bangladesh still lacks a consistent and structured development pathway from grassroots to international level.

Coaching standards, facilities, and age-level competitions vary significantly across regions. With his background in ICC development programs, Bulbul is uniquely placed to address this.

He must focus on decentralizing talent development, investing in regional academies, upgrading the High Performance and A-team programs, and strengthening club and school-level competitions.

Long-term investment in coach education and infrastructure will be critical to building a sustainable cricketing ecosystem.