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Published : 31 May 2025, 01:07 AM
Former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam, newly appointed as the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), has likened his short tenure to a T20 innings, pledging to leave a lasting impact within the limited time available.
Aminul, who was elected as the board’s 16th president on Friday, will serve until October, when the next BCB elections are due.
At his first news conference in Dhaka, the 57-year-old vowed to take swift and meaningful action during his brief stint.
“Given the short timeframe... we know a Test lasts five days, an ODI lasts seven hours. I’ve come here to play a quick T20 innings,” he said. “I want to play a T20 knock that people will remember.”
CRICKET FOR ALL
Better known by his nickname Bulbul, he has spent years working in cricket development with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
He expressed a desire to decentralise cricket development and expand its reach nationwide.
“I want to start something that sends a message--cricket is for everyone,” he said. “The aim is to ensure that everyone can access the game and feel part of it.”
He added, “Today, I’ve been entrusted with a huge responsibility, not just for ‘Bangladesh cricket’, but for ‘cricket in Bangladesh’. We’ll travel the country, see where cricket stands, and try to take it forward.”
FROM PLAYER TO GLOBAL CRICKET DEVELOPER
After retiring in 2003, Bulbul entered coaching before moving to Australia, where he began a new chapter as a development officer with the ACC.
Over the last decade, he has served in various development roles at the ICC, most recently as its Development Manager for Asia.
Drawing on this experience, Aminul now hopes to contribute meaningfully to cricket at home.
“I can say with confidence that my current skill set is a complete package,” he said. “I’ve worked in places like Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, where cricket barely exists, and also in cricketing powerhouses like India and Pakistan.
“I’ll give it my best. God willing, I won’t fail. I’m not here as a former cricketer, but to fulfil a new responsibility.”
SPREADING THE GAME BEYOND THE CITIES
One of Aminul’s primary goals is to take cricket beyond traditional urban centres.
“We’re looking at decentralisation; creating pathways so a boy from a remote Upazila can dream of playing at the highest level with confidence.”
He called for collective effort. “We’ve been playing Test cricket for 25 years. Our Under-19 team has won a World Cup, our women’s team has won the Asia Cup. We have the ability to achieve more. But we must work as a team, let’s raise Bangladesh cricket to new heights together.”
MORE DIRECTION, LESS INTERFERENCE
Despite his new role, Aminul indicated he would not be involved directly in cricket operations but rather work to provide vision and leadership.
“This role might actually be better for me,” he said. “I won’t be doing everything myself. I’ll guide and support our experienced administrators.”
While Aminul had previously expressed interest in working in technical or coaching capacities, his elevation to the top post gives him a broader platform. Even so, he appeared untroubled by the limits of the role, focusing instead on its potential to influence.
