The absence of a vice president in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has significantly worsened the current crisis. Following the Sheikh Hasina’s government's collapse, BCB President Nazmul Hassan Papon has reportedly moved to England, and most other directors have gone into hiding. However, the directors who remain visible include former national team captains and seasoned cricket organisers, who are not without merit.
Given the potential threat of ICC sanctions, one might wonder if the BCB can continue its operations with these elected directors during this emergency. Recently, an eight-member BCB delegation met with Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, including seven directors.
Although the BCB's constitution provides for two vice president positions on the board, the board has never elected a vice president. This is a major reason for the current crisis. If the number of active directors reaches 9-10, the BCB will not face a quorum crisis (minimum 9 members), and the vice president could have run the board in the president's absence.
However, if the quorum is met, it is still possible to call a board meeting and elect a vice president. If the president resigns, it is also possible to elect a new president. But the question remains—who will call the board meeting in the president's absence?
Sources have indicated that the board may seek legal advice on this matter. However, like the sports advisor, the board officials' priority is to ensure the Women's T20 World Cup proceeds smoothly in Bangladesh.
The BCB's failure to elect a vice president has left it vulnerable in times of crisis. The current situation underscores the importance of having a clear succession plan and robust governance structures in place. The BCB must act swiftly to address these gaps and ensure the continuity of its operations, especially with significant events like the Women's T20 World Cup on the horizon.
