In a historic move that merges legacy with leadership, former Bangladesh cricket captain Mohammad Aminul Islam — widely known as Bulbul — has been appointed the new president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). His unopposed election marks a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s cricketing journey, placing one of its original pioneers at the helm of the sport’s national governing body.
The change in leadership follows the removal of former BCB President Faruque Ahmed by the country’s Ministry of Youth and Sports. Faruque, who had taken charge in August 2024, served for only nine months and eight days before being ousted, creating a vacancy that Bulbul would eventually fill.
A Symbolic Return to Leadership
Bulbul’s elevation to the presidency was confirmed during a recent BCB board meeting, where he was first appointed as a board director — a procedural requirement that paved the way for his subsequent promotion. Remarkably, his appointment came without contest, a testament to the respect and reverence he commands within Bangladesh’s cricketing circles.
Speaking about his new role, Bulbul emphasized his primary mission: to conduct a fair and transparent board election, scheduled for October 2025.
“My primary goal is to hold a transparent election and create the best cricket board possible. I am not interested in contesting in the upcoming election,” Bulbul stated during a press briefing. “The government asked, and I accepted. From now on, it’s about following the process.”
Although this is the first time he has held such a prominent administrative role, Bulbul has long been involved in cricket development at the grassroots and international levels, particularly through his work with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
A Legacy Built on Milestones
Few figures in Bangladesh cricket carry the symbolic weight that Bulbul does. As captain of the national team in the 1999 ICC World Cup, he led Bangladesh to a historic victory over Pakistan — a match that significantly influenced the country’s elevation to Test status.
In Bangladesh’s inaugural Test match in 2000 against India, Bulbul etched his name into the record books by scoring 145 — a performance that remains the second-highest score in a nation’s debut Test, following Charles Bannerman’s 165 for Australia in 1877. This knock is not just a statistical feat; it stands as a cultural touchstone in Bangladesh’s sporting consciousness.
An Administrator with Global Vision
Following his retirement from professional cricket, Bulbul relocated to Australia and joined the ICC as part of its global development program. Over the years, he worked closely with emerging cricket nations, helping them improve infrastructure, coaching, and strategic planning. His tenure with the ICC is set to conclude in June 2025 — timing that aligns perfectly with his assumption of BCB leadership.
“I’ve always been involved in the development of cricket. But this is the first time I’ve received an official offer from the government, and I didn’t say no,” said the 57-year-old.
Despite his decorated cricketing career and international administrative experience, Bulbul maintains a grounded perspective about his new role. He has admitted to not being fully acquainted with the BCB constitution and emphasized that the authority to keep him as president ultimately rests with the board directors.
“I don’t know what the future holds. For now, my focus is to fulfill my role until the election. Whether I return to the ICC or remain in some other capacity is yet to be decided,” he added.
By the Numbers: A Modest Yet Symbolic Career
While not extravagant, Bulbul’s playing statistics reflect a cricketer who laid the foundation during the sport’s formative years in Bangladesh.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Batting Avg | 100s/50s | Highest Score | Wickets | Catches |
| Test | 13 | 530 | 21.19 | 1/2 | 145 | 1 | 5 |
| ODI | 39 | 794 | 23.35 | 0/3 | 70 | 7 | 13 |
These numbers, though modest by modern standards, are significant in the context of a team that was just finding its place on the global stage.
A New Dawn for Cricket Governance in Bangladesh
Bulbul’s appointment comes at a time of turbulence within the BCB. Questions over transparency, governance, and political interference have long dogged the board. As a former player with no political affiliations and a career rooted in merit, Bulbul symbolizes a departure from business-as-usual.
The hope now is that his short-term leadership can usher in structural reforms and reestablish credibility in the board’s operations. With elections scheduled later this year, his stewardship could provide a bridge to a more transparent and accountable administrative era.
Cricketing Patriotism Without Personal Ambition
In an era where sports administration is often marred by personal ambition and factional politics, Bulbul stands apart. He has clearly stated he does not wish to remain in the role beyond the transitional period, making his presidency an act of service rather than self-promotion.
“I’m not here for the long term. I’ve accepted the responsibility with the aim of fulfilling it diligently until elections are held. After that, it’s up to the system — and fate.”
This attitude resonates with many who believe that cricket boards should be led by those with passion for the sport, rather than political clout.
Conclusion: A Cricketer’s Final Innings as a Reformer
Mohammad Aminul Islam Bulbul’s rise to the presidency of the Bangladesh Cricket Board is both a symbolic and strategic turning point. As a pioneer of Bangladesh’s cricketing ascent, and now as a caretaker administrator, Bulbul embodies continuity, integrity, and vision.
His willingness to guide the board through a period of transition — without personal political ambition — offers a rare blend of humility and leadership. Whether he remains in cricket administration or returns to international roles, Bulbul’s appointment may very well be remembered as the moment when Bangladeshi cricket reconnected with its foundational ideals.
In the end, it’s not just about holding an office — it’s about holding the spirit of the game itself.
