Dhaka cricket in turmoil: boycott threat, ultimatum, Fahim's resignation demanded

The Dhaka Metropolitan Cricket scene is embroiled in a heated controversy following the leaked draft proposal for amending the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) constitution, sparking outrage among Dhaka’s cricket clubs.

Known as the 'powerhouse' of the Bangladesh Cricket Administration, Dhaka’s influence in the cricketing landscape has come under threat as the proposed amendments seek to reduce its power.

The controversial draft was leaked before being formally presented, igniting a wave of anger from Dhaka’s cricket clubs. On Monday, 76 clubs in Dhaka Metropolitan gathered for a meeting at a hotel in the capital, where they issued a three-day ultimatum to cancel the draft amendment. They have vowed to boycott all leagues and refuse participation in Premier Cricket League team changes if their demands are not met by January 17. In a dramatic move, club officials have also called for the resignation of Nazmul Abedin Fahim, the head of the BCB constitution amendment committee. The clubs’ stance is clear—Fahim must leave the cricket board or Dhaka cricket will be brought to a standstill.

However, a delegation from Dhaka clubs is set to meet BCB President Faruk Ahmed on Saturday (January 18), to address the issue.

The controversy stems from a shift in the BCB's leadership following a change in government. Faruk Ahmed and Nazmul Abedin Fahim, appointed under the National Sports Council quota, promised constitutional amendments upon taking charge. A five-member committee was formed, with Fahim as convener, to draft the amendments. However, the committee has faced criticism, with many accusing its members of lacking a direct cricketing background. The leaked draft of the proposed amendments, which has already stirred up significant controversy, has further inflamed tensions.

The draft proposal suggests reducing the BCB board of directors from 25 to 21 members, with Dhaka's representation slashed from 12 to just four directors. It also recommends dissolving the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) and converting it into a regional cricket organization, while cutting the number of Dhaka councilors from 76 to 30. These changes have sparked a unified protest from Dhaka's cricket clubs, with 67 out of 76 clubs participating in a recent meeting. Although 9 clubs were absent, they expressed full support for the movement. The clubs have also announced the formation of the Dhaka Cricket Club Organizers Association to strengthen their cause.

The stakes are high, with around 2,000 cricketers playing in Dhaka clubs, which invest hundreds of crores to run their teams. These clubs have long served as breeding grounds for national and international cricket talent.

Former BCB Joint General Secretary Rafiqul Islam Babu condemned the proposed amendments, stating that they insulted the clubs' significant contributions to regional cricket. He called the reduction in Dhaka's representation "unacceptable" and warned that the clubs would cease participation if their demands were not met.

Rafiqul Islam Babu, echoing these sentiments, said, "The clubs will not back down. If they don't address this issue within three days, we will escalate our protests. We will submit a memorandum to the Cricket Board and bring the matter to the Sports Adviser."

Adnan Rahman Dipan of Lalmatia Club also criticized Fahim for allegedly securing his position as a BCB director illegitimately and called for his immediate resignation.

Meanwhile, opposition to the proposed amendments is gaining momentum. Tejgaon Cricket Academy President Burhanul Hossain Pappu warned that the changes would harm the future of cricket in Bangladesh. Other influential figures, including BCB Councilor Masuduzzaman and former CCDM chairman GS Hasan Tamim, have also voiced strong opposition to the draft.

Despite the backlash, the draft amendment has yet to be officially reviewed by the BCB Executive Committee. Once presented, the committee will assess the proposal before it is put forward for approval at the BCB AGM.

However, Fahim has stated that the draft is still in the early stages and has neither been finalized nor submitted to the Cricket Board.