Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is currently navigating a busy period, preparing to host a significant Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Executive Committee meeting while simultaneously embarking on an ambitious project to revitalise its flagship domestic T20 competition, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Adding to the mix are ongoing discussions surrounding the availability of star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.
BCB President Aminul Islam confirmed on Monday that Dhaka is all set to host the ACC Executive Committee's annual general meeting on July 24th. This crucial summit is expected to finalise the schedule for the 2026 Asia Cup. Despite earlier reports suggesting a potential shift of the AGM from Dhaka to Dubai, largely due to the prevailing political climate and uncertainty over India's physical participation, Aminul Islam has brushed aside such speculation.
"The Asian Cricket Council is the mother body or governing body of cricket in Asia, and previously we have never hosted a major meeting of the Asian Cricket Council," Aminul told reporters, highlighting the significance of the event for Bangladesh.
"We will hold an official dinner on the 23rd and the ACC AGM in Dhaka on the 24th (July) in Dhaka where almost every country will participate.
This is a big achievement for us, and till now everything is going according to plan (as far as hosting the ACC meeting concerned), and you will receive further updates in due course."
While the BCB remains hopeful for full attendance, the physical presence of a representative from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains unconfirmed. "It’s still not confirmed whether a representative from the Indian board will attend the meeting. That depends on their board and political decisions," Mithu, the BCB's media committee chairman, added. "We are hopeful, though. Even if they don’t attend in person, arrangements have been made for virtual participation."
The ACC meeting will notably coincide with Bangladesh's three-match T20 International series against Pakistan in Dhaka. Mohsin Naqvi, who chairs both the ACC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is expected to be in attendance for both the meeting and to watch the T20I series. With India holding the hosting rights for the 2026 Asia Cup but a venue yet to be finalised, this meeting is pivotal for clarifying the tournament's future, especially given India's ongoing political tensions with Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the BCB is also making concerted efforts to overhaul the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), which has been plagued by controversies in recent editions. Despite past criticisms, BPL Chairman Mahbub Anam and BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul (as he is also known) have pledged a fresh start to boost the tournament's popularity.
In a proactive move, the BCB and the BPL Governing Council held a "BPL Players' Mic" meeting on Monday, seeking direct input from star cricketers like Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim. Other prominent players such as Mohammad Mithun, Anamul Haque Bijoy, and Zakir Hasan were also present, with Najmul Hossain Shanto joining via video call. The meeting, which also included BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul, BPL Chairman Mahbub Anam, Member Secretary Nazmul Abedin Fahim, and Akram Khan, focused on the BPL's current challenges and areas for improvement. The Governing Council plans to extend these discussions to media houses, cricket supporters, coaches, technical staff, former franchise owners, and sponsors.
Amidst these developments, Aminul Islam also addressed the persistent questions surrounding Shakib Al Hasan, who is currently embroiled in various legal cases. "Shakib is available as a cricketer. He hasn't retired from all the formats for Bangladesh as yet," Aminul stated. While acknowledging he hasn't been in direct contact with Shakib since assuming the BCB presidency, Aminul reiterated that the decision regarding Shakib's return to the national team rests solely with the selectors. "My responsibility is to run the cricket board, not to select the team," he concluded, clearly delineating roles.
These parallel efforts highlight the BCB's multi-faceted approach to addressing both international obligations and domestic development, all while navigating the complexities surrounding its star players.
