BCB suspends all activities of constitutional reform committee

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has suspended all activities of its controversial constitutional reform committee following growing protests from Dhaka-based cricket clubs. The decision was made during the 17th BCB Board of Directors meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Saturday, January 20, 2025.

Before this, the Dhaka clubs boycotted the First Division Cricket League starting January 14, citing unconfirmed proposals from the reform committee that desired to reduce their representation on the BCB board. According to reports, the committee under BCB director Nazmul Abedin, proposed reducing the number of directors nominated by Dhaka-based clubs from 12 to 4. This, along with plans to dissolve the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) and cut down the number of BCB directors from 25 to 21, triggered protests among the clubs.

As a result, the league was suspended, putting the livelihood of nearly 2,000 cricketers at risk. The clubs’ protest put pressure on the board to address the issue immediately, as postponing the league could have long-term repercussions for Bangladesh’s domestic cricket structure. BCB director Mahbubul Anam opened up on the board’s decision, revealing that the committee’s activities were suspended to ensure transparency and stakeholder involvement. 

"The board decided to postpone the constitution review committee's activities. This committee could be changed or expanded at a later time. The rest of the activities will take place only after their scope of work and terms of reference are prepared. The terms of reference will be on how they will make the necessary changes to the constitution, how they will do it by involving stakeholders," Anam said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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We want to suspend their activities to stop such discussions: Mahbubul Anam

Anam quashed reports that the committee had officially submitted its proposals to the board or the National Sports Council (NSC), calling such claims insubstantial. He pointed out the need for clarity in the constitutional reform process.

"They never submitted any proposed changes to the board president or anyone in the board. We have also heard that they didn't submit anything to the National Sports Council. Many of the changes spoken about isn't also correct. The BCB directors feel that the process has to be clearer. There's no secrecy about the constitution. It is public information. We want to suspend their activities to stop such discussions. The board feels that stakeholders must be involved so we need change and expansion," he added.

The BCB also announced the appointment of leaders for 21 out of its 23 standing committees. Nazmul Abedin Fahim was named head of both the men’s cricket operations and the women’s wing, following a reported rift with BCB President Faruque Ahmed. Meanwhile, Faruque himself was named chair of the marketing committee, with other prominent directors, including Akram Khan and Mahbubul Anam, taking key roles.

The BCB has instructed the newly appointed committee heads to finalize their respective teams within two weeks. The heads of the working and security committees will be named at a later date.