Akram Khan steps aside from BCB election

Former Bangladesh captain Akram Khan has announced that he will not contest in the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election, expressing his full support for Tamim Iqbal’s bid for the presidency.

Akram, who led Bangladesh to their historic ICC Trophy win in 1997, said he felt “humiliated” during a recent visit to the adviser’s office and decided it was the right time to step away.

Speaking from Kolkata on Wednesday (September 3), he said, “Tamim is like my son. I will give him my all-out support and prayers. This time I am not running for election, and I have explained it to him.”

This year’s BCB election has seen heightened political involvement, with district- and division-level politicians expected to dominate the director posts. As a result, many former cricketers are reluctant to enter the race.

Khaled Mashud Pilot has expressed interest in contesting from category 3, while Minhajul Abedin Nannu may also run, depending on his councilor status. Former BCB director Sirajuddin Mohammad Alamgir has declined a request from higher authorities to stand in the same category, citing organizational complexities.

Meanwhile, the National Sports Council is reportedly planning to nominate Nazmul Abedin Fahim and Aminul Islam Bulbul as directors from Dhaka division. In the club category, a panel led by former joint secretary and grounds committee chairman Tamim Iqbal includes Fahim Sinha, Ishraque Ahmed, Masuduzzaman Khan, Borhan Hossain Pappu, Aziz Al Kaiser Titu, Manjurul Alam, Moinul Haque Moin, and Iftekhar Rahman Mithu, with Asif Rabbani also considered.

Some prominent names have opted out, including former captain Khaled Mahmud Sujan, director Kazi Inam Ahmed, and Gazi Group’s Salauddin Chowdhury. Lutfar Rahman Badal, however, has confirmed his intention to run independently in the club category.