On August 21, Faruque Ahmed stepped into a role he could scarcely have anticipated in its enormity. As the newly appointed president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Faruque has now completed his first month in office, a period marked by relentless activity and significant learning. He has discovered anew the age-old truth that nothing moves faster than time.
Faruque has dedicated more hours to the BCB than any of his predecessors, working almost daily at the board office. This commitment is essential to navigate the evolving landscape of his responsibilities. Reflecting on his initial month, Faruque remarked that one month is a very short time, especially given the magnitude of his role. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining the regular schedule and tasks of cricket while addressing broader objectives.
When Faruque assumed the presidency, the Bangladesh national team was touring Pakistan. Within this month, the team returned to Dhaka and then travelled to India for a two-match Test series. Concurrently, both the men's and women's 'A' teams were also on tours. Faruque's tenure has already seen him tackle several pressing issues: the uncertainty surrounding the Women's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh due to political unrest, the board's stance on the murder case involving Shakib Al Hasan during the Pakistan tour, visits to the ICC office in Dubai, and attendance at the ACC meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, he has worked to resolve uncertainties about the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) amidst the country's changing circumstances and ensure the proper organization of club cricket. Alongside these tasks, Faruque has been advancing the restructuring and financial reforms of the BCB.
The primary goal of appointing someone like Faruque as president, in line with ICC regulations, was to reform cricket in Bangladesh. However, he cannot neglect the routine tasks that come with the position. Faruque acknowledged that while much could have been accomplished in this month, the challenge lies in balancing regular duties with other initiatives. He noted that focusing solely on renovation work for six months would be impractical.
Faruque has expressed his intent to address key cricketing issues, such as improving the field conditions, curators, cricketers, coaches, and umpires. Although he has initiated some measures, many other tasks have also demanded his attention. As president, Faruque is particularly focused on bringing discipline to the BCB's financial affairs. He aims to increase funding for cricket-related activities by cutting costs in other areas and curbing corruption.
Aware of existing financial irregularities, Faruque is committed to investigating and addressing these issues. He hopes to set a precedent for future board members to maintain transparency in financial matters. In his first press conference, Faruque announced that the BCB's financial performance would be independently audited by one of the top four audit firms, a process that has already begun. According to the BCB constitution, two advisors have been appointed to assist the president—one an accountant and the other a lawyer. Three more experts from various professions will also be appointed as advisors.
The BPL and club cricket are crucial income sources for local players. Despite some reluctance from franchises and clubs to invest in these areas, Faruque has managed to alleviate much of the uncertainty surrounding domestic cricket. The four established franchises have confirmed their participation in the BPL, and three new franchises are likely to join. The new president is also receiving positive feedback regarding club cricket.
Since Faruque took office, there has been speculation about whether national team head coach Chandika Hathurusingha will complete his tenure until the Champions Trophy. The coach's contentious history with Faruque during his tenure as chief selector has fueled this curiosity. However, Faruque is cautious about making any hasty decisions that could disrupt the team. Hathurusingha, having completed the Pakistan tour, is currently with the team in India. His future as coach will depend on finding a suitable replacement.
Faruque has been candid about his responsibilities as president, stating that his personal stance on Hathurusingha remains unchanged. Notably, Hathurusingha has not yet had the opportunity to speak with Faruque, either in person or over the phone, which could signal a 'red alert' for the coach. Faruque Ahmed's first month as BCB president has been a whirlwind of activity, marked by significant challenges and a steadfast commitment to reforming Bangladeshi cricket.
