In a significant move aimed at reinforcing discipline and professionalism, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul is set to hold a private, high-level meeting with national team cricketers on Tuesday, August 19, at Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka.
The meeting, scheduled for 10:00am, comes just a day after Bulbul returns from Australia, underscoring the urgency the board leadership places on addressing concerns about players’ off-field behaviour. Senior BCB officials will also attend the session, which is expected to take the form of an interactive briefing, almost like a classroom-style orientation, on conduct, ethics, and public responsibility.
This initiative marks a departure from routine administrative meetings.
Rather than focusing on performance or strategy, the gathering will centre on the personal conduct, public image, and social responsibilities of Bangladesh’s cricketers – many of whom are seen as role models by millions.
A wake-up call on discipline
While the BCB has long emphasised on-field success, recent off-field incidents have prompted a renewed focus on players’ behaviour beyond the boundary ropes.
Though no formal charges or scandals have been confirmed, tensions surrounding fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, despite being cleared of wrongdoing, reportedly played a role in the decision.
The incident, involving personal disputes that escalated to police involvement, has left the board leadership concerned about how such matters reflect on the sport and the nation.
“The BCB president is deeply concerned about the image of Bangladeshi cricket,” a high-level source within the board told Jago News. “Even if a player is legally innocent, the optics matter. Cricketers are public figures. Their actions, even in private, can spark public backlash and damage the reputation of the game.”
Past precedents, present concerns
Bangladesh cricket has, over the years, seen its share of controversies. From Shahadat Hossain’s suspension over a fatal incident to Sabbir Rahman’s repeated off-field troubles, and from Rubel Hossain’s disciplinary lapses to Shakib Al Hasan’s bans for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code, the issue is neither new nor isolated.
Even celebrated stars have found themselves in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Mohammad Shahid, Nasir Hossain, and others have faced criticism for conduct unbecoming of national representatives.
Bulbul, a former national cricketer himself, appears determined to break this cycle. His message is clear: talent on the field does not excuse misconduct off it.
More than just a game
The BCB president plans to stress that cricketers are not just athletes, they are symbols of national pride. “They represent Bangladesh not only in stadiums but in society,” said a board director, speaking on condition of anonymity. “They are followed by children, admired by fans, and watched by the world. A careless comment, an unwise social media post, or a public altercation can have far-reaching consequences.”
The session will reportedly cover a range of topics: appropriate public behaviour, media interactions, social media use, family responsibilities, and the importance of maintaining dignity as public figures. Bulbul intends to outline what is acceptable, and what crosses the line.
“Cricketers have responsibilities beyond cricket,” the director added. “They have duties to their families, their communities, the BCB, and the country. They can’t act as if they’re above social norms just because they play for Bangladesh.”
Training on and off the field
Interestingly, the meeting comes while the national squad is undergoing intensive power-hitting training under Australian coach Julian Wood at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The same players now honing their six-hitting skills will soon be sitting through what some are calling a “conduct curriculum.”
This dual focus, on physical excellence and ethical awareness, reflects a growing recognition that sustainable success in modern cricket requires more than talent. It demands maturity, discipline, and a sense of accountability.
A proactive step forward
While some may view the meeting as reactive, others see it as a necessary and overdue step toward professionalising Bangladeshi cricket. In an era where athletes are under constant public scrutiny, the BCB’s move could set a precedent for future player development.
As Aminul Islam Bulbul prepares to address the men who wear the red and green, his message will likely echo beyond the room: You play for the country. That means something – on every field, in every moment, and in every choice you make.