As Aminul takes BCB reins, can he succeed where Faruque failed?

Aminul Islam Bulbul had just wrapped up his opening address at his first press conference as president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Then came the questions. Understandably, the new president might have expected a few softballs. Instead, the press hurled bouncers at him -- sharp and uncomfortable ones at that. What made it more awkward? The key figures behind those questions were seated right beside him.

Just nine months ago, it was Faruque Ahmed who sat in the same room, at the same podium, flanked by the same men, as the newly appointed president of the BCB. Today, he is out -- isolated and unsupported. The very people who once stood by his side now pushed him out, questioning his leadership and forcing his resignation before completing a year in office.

Aminul has been installed through the same process. And once again, those same smiling faces surround the new president. The question is, where will this alliance lead him?

Those faces include BCB directors like Mahbub Anam, who has been in the boardroom for over two decades, regardless of political changes. Others, like Akram Khan and Kazi Inam Ahmed, have served as directors under Nazmul Hassan's multiple terms. Figures like Fahim Sinha and Iftekhar Rahman joined later but were part of the Nazmul-led board as well.

These long-serving directors have held sway for years, despite persistent controversies and criticism. With this baggage, can a "fresh start" under a new president really be clean? Faruque might already have an answer.

Eight of the nine directors from the current group sent a letter of no confidence against Faruque to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Akram being the lone exception. Ironically, many of the allegations in the letter are ones they themselves have faced over the years.

Those same directors have long been the subject of media scrutiny. Numerous reports and questions have targeted their roles, yet they’ve remained untouched.

Some of the issues raised against Faruque had also surfaced during Nazmul's presidency. But at that time, not one of these directors protested or expressed event the mildest dissent.

So, it's hard to believe that this move to oust Faruque was driven by a greater good or concern for cricket’s future. Rather, it seems more likely to be a power play -- a conflict of interests and personal agendas.

And what's to say Aminul won’t find himself in the same position soon?

It is this very suspicion that led to the barrage of tough questions at the press conference:

“Faruque Ahmed may have lacked people management skills. You now have to work with the same characters. How important is it to manage such people?”

“You've been outspoken about issues in the board. Now the same people who once undermined you are sitting beside you. How does that feel?”

“Some of those you criticised have been here 10 to 12 years, and have faced serious allegations. How will you work with them? Faruque came in with similar hopes. He was forced out. Will you meet the same fate?”

“Faruque was nominated by the National Sports Council, and they revoked that nomination. You've been nominated by them too. Will you have to follow their lead? Does that feel like a burden?”

To his credit, Aminul didn’t lash out or deflect. Instead, he gave a measured response focussed on unity and collaboration.

“We’re a team. I’ve just started. I don’t have much experience at this moment. But we will move forward by using everyone’s experience and energy,” he said.

Aminul, who has long been a critic from outside the board, promised to carry the same mindset now that he’s inside to address flaws with sincerity.

“I’ve always spoken honestly. I come from a humble background. Everything I’ve achieved is through cricket. I’ve never compromised with it and never will. This isn’t just a job for me -- it’s my life. I’ll work with everyone to deliver the best we can.”

Even when asked directly about working with controversial directors, he maintained his message of collective effort.

“I believe a cricket team, or any team, succeeds only when it works as one. A bowler can’t bowl alone -- he needs a wicketkeeper, fielders. Each of us will play our part. That’s what we’ll try to establish.”

Of course, his responses weren’t surprising. Having just been elected by these very directors, he couldn’t publicly turn on them. Still, many believe these same individuals could obstruct the very reforms Aminul hopes to achieve.

One factor that could work in his favour is that Aminul has no intention of staying long-term. He has publicly said he doesn’t plan to contest the BCB elections due by October. In contrast, Faruque had made it clear that he intended to stay, even gearing up for the upcoming election -- something that likely hastened his exit.

Another faction in the BCB has also been preparing for that election. Their behind-the-scenes conflict with Faruque was already simmering. When pre-election manoeuvring intensified, their disagreements exploded. And in that political firestorm, Faruque lost his chair.

Aminul may not face the same immediate threat, but the entrenched interests in the board -- those whose integrity has long been in question -- could still make his job difficult.

Yes, Aminul brings a wealth of experience from his years at the International Cricket Council and the Asian Cricket Council. But the role of BCB president could prove more complex and challenging than he expects.

Then there’s the Ministry of Youth and Sports. They had no real stake in cricket when they tapped Faruque last August, replacing veteran administrator Ahmed Sajjadul Alam. And now, just nine months later, they’ve dropped Faruque too. That kind of reversal suggests deeper political calculations. Even if Aminul wants to steer clear of that discussion, he will have to consider the ministry’s expectations.

Aminul has emphasised unity and teamwork. In any team, healthy competition can strengthen bonds. But if the team turns hostile from within, the results could be disastrous. Just ask Faruque.