Club organisers led by Tamim demand probe into BCB polls

A coalition of Dhaka-based cricket club organisers, including former national team captain Tamim Iqbal, has formally requested the National Sports Council to investigate the Bangladesh Cricket Board's previous board of directors election, alleging the process lacked transparency.

The group submitted a letter to the NSC on Sunday, calling for an independent inquiry committee to examine the election. Iqbal stated that 50 of the 76 clubs in Dhaka support the petition.

During the last BCB elections, Iqbal and nine other candidates withdrew their nominations from the club category, citing an opaque selection process for district and divisional councilors.

Former BCB director Fahim Sinha said the organizers proposed an independent committee that could include an NSC representative. Explaining the timing of the petition, Mohammedan Sporting Club director Masuduzzaman cited the recent political shifts in the country.

"Democracy has returned after 17 to 18 years," Masuduzzaman said. "Now there is a democratic government, and we believe this is the right time to speak up."

Labeling the current BCB board "illegal," the dissenting clubs have initiated a boycott of domestic competitions. The protest has severely impacted the lower-tier leagues, with only 12 of 20 clubs participating in the First Division and 12 of 24 in the Second Division. The ongoing dispute has also cast uncertainty over the upcoming men's and women's Dhaka Premier League tournaments, reports UNB.