BCB Constitution Reforms Face Backlash as Dhaka Club Organisers Hint at Boycott

Dhaka based cricket clubs have opposed strongly the plan of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to amend its constitution. These clubs, members of the Dhaka Cricket Club Organisers’ Association, have said they might cease their participation in all Dhaka cricket leagues if their concerns are not addressed.

The BCB has formed a five-member committee to revise its constitution. Proposed changes include the deletion of the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM), reducing the number of Dhaka-based directors from 12 to 4, and reducing Category-2 councilors. The clubs think these changes will reduce their role in growing cricket in the country.

The issue has been discussed by leaders from 67 out of 76 clubs under CCDM. The nine clubs that didn’t turn up have also given their support to the movement. This has annoyed the organisers who think this is a plan to weaken Dhaka clubs' influence at BCB.

Rafiqul Islam Babu, a veteran organizer and the leader of the movement, strongly criticized the proposed changes. He termed them as an insult to the efforts of clubs in developing cricket in Bangladesh over the years.

"What has been done is an insult to all our clubs, that is number one. This is a settled issue. At times, there may be a committee with a director system, including a president, vice president, and secretary. But the number of people, especially the contribution of our clubs to the Dhaka League, cricket development, and player production from the time of independence until now has been insulted in this proposed constitution. The number of board directors has been reduced from 12 to 4, and the number of councilors from 76 to 30. This is unacceptable. If they do not provide a valid answer to this, our clubs will refrain from playing until this is corrected," Rafiqul Islam Babu said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Babu Proposes Increased Representation for Dhaka Clubs

The proposed changes have come under fire, especially for demoting the CCDM which is essential in examining the Dhaka cricket leagues. Babu pointed out the necessity to elect directors from other districts on their cricket related activities. He also advised to increase the number of representatives of Dhaka clubs to 15.

"What he has done has put everyone into controversy. If our clubs do not support his decisions, there's no reason for him to remain on the board. This is a logical demand. Based on that, we propose an increase in the number of representatives from Dhaka clubs to 15," Babu added.

Another key organizer, Lutfur Rahman, has warned that if their demands are not met by January 17, they will start an indefinite boycott of all cricket leagues.

"We've given them three days. If this process halts, our movement will be withdrawn. Until then, we will continue our movement," Babu concluded.