The race for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Board of Directors elections is heating up but with no clear frontrunner, the political chessboard remains in constant motion.
While preparations have been underway for weeks, the landscape has shifted dramatically. What began as a contest centred on Mahbub Anam, the influential cricket administrator around whom a major electoral front was forming, has now taken a new turn after he announced he would not contest for president or even seek a councilor seat.
Yet, despite his withdrawal, Mahbub Anam’s influence remains pivotal. With a significant portion of the 76 Dhaka Premier League clubs aligned with his camp, the power equation is still being calculated around his silent endorsement.
“If Mahbub Anam doesn’t run, it doesn’t mean he’s out,” said one club official. “Who he supports will decide who wins.”
Presidential race narrows to Bulbul and Tamim
Two names now dominate the presidential race:
Aminul Islam Bulbul, former national cricketer and NSC nominee, is widely expected to enter the board via nomination and is being positioned as a presidential contender, though he has not formally declared.
Tamim Iqbal, the former national team captain, has already announced his intention to run for president, making him Bulbul’s most likely challenger.
With no official candidate announcements yet, speculation swirls over whether the National Sports Council (NSC) nomination will give Bulbul an edge, or if Tamim’s popularity and fresh image will sway the councilors.
12 director seats up for grabs
Twelve directors will be elected by the councilors of 76 Dhaka-based clubs across the DPL’s first, second, and third divisions. Currently, 25–26 individuals are expressing interest, but only a dozen will make the board.
Key names in the mix include Aziz Al Kaiser Tito, Rafiqul Islam Babu, Fahim Sinha, Iftikhar Rahman Mithu, Ishraq Hossain, and Masuduzzaman, all of whom are actively vying for a spot on the BCB board. Lutfar Rahman Badal, the former Mohammedan stalwart and owner of Legends of Rupganj, remains a strong contender with deep roots in the club circuit. From the Uttara contingent, Borhan Hossain Pappu and Ziaur Rahman Topu are also in the running, each bringing their own support base. Another emerging name is Moin, General Secretary of Mirpur City Club and a former national footballer, who is also the elder brother of BNP leader Aminul, adding a political dimension to his cricketing ambitions.
Corporate clout in play
The influence of major corporate clubs is also shaping the race:
Bashundhara Group is expected to back either Shahnian Tanim or Ishtiaq Sadeq, though both may not make the final 12.
Gazi Group is yet to finalise its candidates, with Salauddin and Adnan Rahman Dipon in the running.
Uncertainty reigns
Despite the buzz, no one is calling the race. “There’s no final say. No certainty,” admitted a senior club official. “One announcement can change everything.”
Even as Bulbul and Tamim emerge as presidential favourites, the consensus remains: without Mahbub Anam’s explicit backing, no victory is guaranteed.
The election, still weeks away, is less about who runs, and more about who holds the strings behind the scenes.
In Bangladesh cricket, the game isn’t just played on the field.
It’s being played in the corridors of clubhouses and Mahbub Anam is still in the conversation.