'Why do they succumb to greed?' – Sujon on the Faruque-Fahim dispute

In the aftermath of last year's July-August mass movement that led to a shift in political dynamics, Faruque Ahmed and Nazmul Abedeen were both appointed as directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Faruque was elected president by the directors' vote, while Abedeen, though not heading any specific committee, was informally regarded as the "second in command" of the BCB. The two had been working together since then.

However, their collaboration has taken a turn. Rumours of a feud between Faruque and Abedeen had circulated for some time, but on Sunday, Abedeen brought the matter to light in an interview with a media outlet, alleging that the BCB president had mistreated him. Faruque later responded to the issue as well.

Khaled Mahmud Sujon, a former BCB director and national cricket team captain, expressed his disappointment over the publicised conflict between the two prominent figures of the board. Sujon severely criticised both, stating that this situation has arisen due to a power struggle. He questioned why such greed and ego issues arise among individuals entrusted with developing cricket in the country.

Currently coaching the Dhaka Capitals team in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Sujon was addressing the media at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on the eve of a match. While several teams were practising and interacting with the press, the primary topic of discussion was the feud between Faruque and Abedeen.

Abedeen claimed that the BCB president had behaved rudely towards him in front of other BCB and Ministry of Youth and Sports officials. He further stated that he was unable to work independently and even hinted at resigning if this situation continued. In response, Faruque suggested it might be a misunderstanding, asserting that the matter had been resolved.

Despite claims of resolution, the aftermath of the incident remains evident. Speaking to the media, Sujon criticised the two and said, "Yesterday, I saw the incident involving Faruque bhai and Abedeen bhai. It pains me because both are former cricketers. Why should they have ego issues? They came here to develop cricket. When they were appointed, they made significant commitments—I saw them do so. Particularly, Abedeen bhai gave many interviews, shared his far-reaching plans and thoughts. But I don't see those now."

Abedeen's desire to lead the Cricket Operations department seems like greed to Sujon. He remarked, "It looks like greed—if I can't have Operations, I won't work, I'll resign. Why does such greed arise among them? Why must it be the Cricket Operations department? If I am made chairman of another committee, can't I serve there?"

Questioning whether Abedeen is the ultimate expert on Cricket Operations, Sujon added, "Is he the master of Cricket Operations? Before him, Akram bhai was the master. He can aspire to it because Akram bhai is a former successful captain of Bangladesh and was also the chairman of Operations. So why is he (Abedeen) saying it must be Operations? This is about ego, pure and simple. Honestly, what is happening here? I don't understand."

Sujon described the situation involving two experienced individuals as shameful. He said, "It's becoming difficult for Faruque bhai to run the board with so few directors. Why doesn't he appoint new directors… appoint whoever they want? When I see such attitudes, it feels bad. Two senior people we deeply respect—Faruque bhai and Abedeen bhai—are our seniors and former cricketers. Seeing them like this is embarrassing. Are we, as cricketers, so greedy?"

Sujon believed that the matter could have been resolved privately. He stated, "This could have ended within four walls. Why should the whole nation know about it? Both are cricketers. What will people think about us now? It's becoming all too natural to assume that we join the board for personal gain. This is shameful for all cricketers. What these two seniors have done is humiliating for those of us who've played for the national team, or even for those outside the team. This ego issue or the competition about who will be board president, Operations Chairman, or Development Head—it's ridiculous and disgraceful."

Addressing the necessity of discretion, Sujon said, "Which household doesn't face internal disputes? My point is, they're both senior individuals. Abedeen bhai, who is like a teacher to us all… such an insightful cricket coach. Why would he make such statements publicly? If he feels he isn't being respected or given responsibility, he could have spoken to Faruque bhai directly, one-on-one. He could tell Faruque bhai that as a member secretary of the BPL Governing Council, if he isn't informed of matters, he'll resign directly. There was no need to go public with it."