The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reached out to the BCCI to salvage India’s white-ball tour scheduled for September and mend strained relations following Dhaka’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup in India. Reports indicate that the tenure of BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul may conclude soon, prompting discussions with the BCCI by an interim board.
The decision by BCB not to send the team to India, citing security concerns after Mustafizur Rahaman was not permitted to participate in the IPL by the BCCI, was reportedly influenced by sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul, known for his anti-India stance. Despite BCB’s request to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka, the ICC dismissed any security threats in India for the team.
The historically friendly Indo-Bangla cricket relations have faced a decline due to recent events. BCCI sources confirmed that BCB has formally contacted them regarding the upcoming white-ball tour in September, as well as the men’s 50-over Asia Cup scheduled to be hosted by BCB next year. Hosting India is crucial for BCB as revenue from the broadcast rights sales of six white-ball matches by the Men In Blue would significantly benefit the board financially.
In addition to the upcoming tours, the BCB is addressing several issues, including the resignation of four directors during Aminul Islam Bulbul’s presidency. Concerns have been raised within the Bangladesh cricket community regarding Bulbul’s leadership, particularly after his failure to persuade the interim-government head to send the team to India.
The investigation committee tasked with reviewing the T20 World Cup non-participation incident is expected to submit its report to the government on April 9, which could impact Bulbul’s position. Speculations suggest that former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal is a potential candidate for the BCB presidency, given his appeal for a pragmatic approach amid the ongoing tensions.