Controversy erupts: Faruque Ahmed defies government order, refuses to step down as BCB President

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief Faruque Ahmed revealed that the national government has requested him to resign from his position. Faruque said that the country’s sports ministry has advised him to step down from his role, but he refuses to resign just over nine months after taking office.

Faruque Ahmed took over as president of the BCB on August 21 last year. He has faced several serious accusations, including poor management of domestic cricket events and financial misconduct. The national cricket team’s disappointing performances have further undermined his position.

Sports Adviser Said They Don’t Want Me to Continue - Faruque Ahmed

Faruque Ahmed said that the sports adviser informed him that the authorities don’t want him to continue. However, Faruque emphasized that he has no intention of resigning, adding that he is an elected board president.

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"The [sports] adviser hasn't told me to resign, but said they don't want me to continue," Faruque told ESPNcricinfo. "But I will not resign since I am an elected board president.

Ahmed became BCB president after being elected by the board’s remaining directors, following his nomination by the National Sports Council along with Nazmul Abedeen Fahim.

On his very first day, Faruque threatened to remove Bangladesh’s head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe during a Test series in Pakistan. A few months later, Faruque announced the suspension of Hathurusinghe and named Phil Simmons as the new coach.

Aminul Islam Emerges as Frontrunner to Replace Faruque Ahmed

Aminul Islam, Bangladesh’s first Test centurion, has become the leading candidate to succeed Faruque Ahmed as BCB president. Faruque will have to resign, allowing the board directors to choose a new chief.

Aminul revealed that the sports adviser’s office recently contacted him, inviting him to return to Bangladesh for a role within the BCB. He stated that he does not plan to stay with the board for long but is motivated by a strong desire to serve the country.

"The [sports] adviser's office contacted me a couple of weeks ago, asking me to come to Bangladesh for a role. I agreed to the proposal. I don't wish to stay in the BCB for too long," Aminul said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

"You may think I am talking emotionally, but when a country needs a soldier, he doesn't think about his salary or self-interest. Serving the nation is the first priority. I have the same mentality. I am ready to take any role in the BCB," he added.

The ICC’s Door Is Open for Me - Aminul Islam

Aminul Islam, who is currently working with the ICC in Melbourne, revealed that he informed the ICC about the offer. He added that the ICC agreed to second him to the BCB for a few months and assured him that he could return to his position.

"They have agreed to it, and told me that the ICC's door is open for me. I can return to the ICC after finishing my role in the BCB," Aminul said.

Aminul was Bangladesh’s first Test centurion, scoring 145 against India in their debut Test in Dhaka in 2000. He also captained the national side during the 1999 World Cup. The cricketer played 13 Test matches and 39 ODIs.

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