The Bangladesh Cricket Board has formally set its next board election in motion, with the Tamim Iqbal-led ad-hoc committee using its third meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur to approve a series of governance decisions that mark the beginning of a structured transition toward elected leadership. The committee, appointed by the National Sports Council last month, was given a three-month window to conduct elections — with Tamim having previously indicated the second week of June as a likely target.
Election commission approved to oversee the vote
The BCB confirmed that councillor nominations will be formally invited across all categories as the first procedural step toward the election. “The Board has decided to initiate the process for the next BCB election. As a first step, a notice will shortly be issued inviting the nomination of councillors from all categories in accordance with Article 12.7 of the BCB Constitution,” BCB said in a press release. A three-member Election Commission was simultaneously approved to oversee the process, though the identities of its members were not disclosed at the time of the announcement.
The composition of the commission reflects a shared governance arrangement between the board and the state. “The Election Commission will comprise one representative from either the ministry for youth & sports or the National Sports Council, and two members nominated by the BCB,” the release stated. The structure ensures independent oversight while retaining BCB’s involvement in shaping the electoral body.
Regional ad-hoc committees dissolved ahead of polls
In a move to eliminate administrative overlap ahead of elections, the BCB acted on the regional level as well. The ad-hoc committees governing cricket in Chattogram, Sylhet and Barishal — formed under the previous Aminul Islam-led board before its tenure ended in April amid allegations of irregularities — have been disbanded. “The board has decided to dissolve, with immediate effect, the previously constituted Ad-hoc Committees of the Regional Cricket Associations of Chattogram, Sylhet and Barishal,” the BCB release added. The dissolution is widely read as an effort to restore a clean elected structure at the regional level before the national election takes place.
Coca-Cola confirmed as official beverage partner
On the commercial front, the BCB used the same meeting to formalise a new partnership. Coca-Cola Bangladesh was approved as the board’s official drinking water and beverage partner for a two-year period, adding a consumer brand relationship to BCB’s commercial portfolio as the organisation navigates its administrative transition.
Tamim outlines dedicated lounge for former internationals
Following the meeting, Tamim conducted a walkthrough of ongoing redevelopment work at Sher-e-Bangla and spoke to media about plans to create a purpose-built space for players who have represented Bangladesh at the national level. “We are building a proper lounge for national cricketers. Around 170 to 180 players who have represented Bangladesh will get this facility,” Tamim told reporters. The lounge is designed to accommodate between 250 and 300 people, with access restricted exclusively to national cricketers through designated cards.
The physical changes to the stadium are substantial. “These grills will be removed so there is no obstruction to the view. This entire block will be dedicated to national cricketers. They don’t currently have such a space, so we are creating one,” Tamim added. The seating configuration is also being overhauled to create a more open and premium environment. “The divider will be removed and the seats renovated into a balcony-style structure, like in major stadiums where people sit, have tea or coffee, and enjoy the view,” Tamim noted. The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh will also be allocated office space within the same complex.
Recognition philosophy underpins the initiative
Beyond the infrastructure, Tamim outlined a broader philosophy around how the BCB intends to recognise former players — and the care required in doing so. “We must be cautious about whom we honour. If someone feels left out, it can create issues,” he continued. Naming rights and recognition initiatives are under consideration, though Tamim stressed that any decisions would need to be made thoughtfully. “Bangladesh cricketers deserve this recognition. It is not about averages or statistics — someone with a low average may still have made a massive contribution. Our responsibility is to honour that properly,” Tamim said. The lounge project, he noted, can be taken forward either by the current ad-hoc committee or by whichever elected board follows.
