Bulbul urges ICC intervention, claims he is the only lawful BCB president

Aminul Islam Bulbul has claimed he is the sole legitimate president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), describing the report by the National Sports Council (NSC) committee as flawed, arbitrary and legally unacceptable. According to him, the dissolution of the elected board of directors and the formation of an ad hoc committee led by Tamim Iqbal amount to a "constitutional coup."

Following the NSC's decision to dissolve the board led by Aminul, he issued a press release on Tuesday night reiterating these claims and calling for intervention from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The subject of the press release, signed by Aminul, was stated as: "Rejection of the so-called 'investigation report' and categorical denial of any irregularities in the BCB election held on 6 October 2025." He asserted that he was "duly" elected as BCB president and described the NSC investigation as "motivated by malice." He said, "I unequivocally state that the report submitted on 5 April 2026 is a flawed, arbitrary and legally unacceptable document, with no basis in law or in the BCB constitution."

The former national captain firmly denied any allegations of corruption, manipulation or abuse of power related to the last BCB election.

Claiming the election was conducted strictly in accordance with the BCB constitution, he said, "All objections raised, including those regarding 15 clubs and Tamim Iqbal's councillor position, were duly heard and resolved through quasi-judicial hearings held on 24–25 September 2025. The narrative of 'election fixing' spread by some politically ambitious former players is a fabricated story intended to destabilise the board."

While rejecting the NSC committee's report, Aminul also held Aminul Haque, State Minister for Youth and Sports, accountable.

He said, "The National Sports Council has no jurisdiction to investigate a concluded electoral process of an autonomous and self-governing federation like the BCB. According to ICC regulations, member boards must operate free from government interference. This investigation initiated by State Minister Aminul Haque is a politically motivated act, not a legal process. As it falls outside jurisdiction, the report is null and void."

Declaring the ad hoc committee led by Tamim Iqbal illegal, Aminul said ICC rules had also been violated and urged the global governing body to intervene.

"The alleged dissolution of the elected board and the imposition of an 'ad hoc committee' led by Tamim Iqbal constitute a constitutional coup. This step is illegal, beyond the jurisdiction of the BCB constitution and a direct violation of ICC rules regarding government interference. The NSC has no authority to dissolve an elected body except under extreme circumstances defined in its ordinance, none of which exist here. The 'ad hoc committee' is an unlawful entity. We do not recognise its authority and call upon the ICC to immediately examine the matter and prevent this illegal body from functioning."

Aminul warned that such actions would destabilise cricket in Bangladesh and cast a shadow over its future. Referring to the international community, he said, "It must understand that the government is holding a knife to the throat of our cricketing autonomy."

He also cautioned that the ongoing instability would disrupt the development of new cricketers. "This instability is disastrous for player development. Political interference by the government has made the future of our Under-19 cricketers uncertain. We have just seen GDP growth fall to 3 percent and industrial production shrink; how will such political interference in sports help our economy or youth?"

In the conclusion of the statement, he again called for ICC intervention and declared the ad hoc committee illegal.

"We urge the International Cricket Council (ICC) to immediately intervene to protect the sanctity of our elected board. The ad hoc committee is illegal. The investigation report is also illegal. No government body can subsequently question the legitimacy of the 6 October 2025 election, which was overseen by an independent three-member commission including a Supreme Court lawyer and a senior CID official."

Finally, above his signature, he boldly asserted: "Until the High Court rules otherwise, Aminul Islam Bulbul remains the sole lawful president of the BCB."