T20 Mood, Test Mindset: Bulbul’s Steady Rise in the BCB

Aminul Islam Bulbul, Bangladesh cricket’s first Test centurion and a key figure in the country’s cricketing history, now finds himself in the middle of an important boardroom battle. Currently serving as the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), he has officially announced his candidacy for the position of director in the upcoming elections.

But this journey didn’t begin overnight. It came after a series of dramatic turns, administrative reshuffles, and the removal of former captain Faruque Ahmed.

The National Sports Council (NSC) suspended director Faruque Ahmed on allegations of irregularities. Reports suggest his “mistake” was announcing his intention to run for the post of BCB president in the upcoming elections and starting preparations for it. That move backfired, paving the way for Bulbul to be nominated by the NSC. From there, he was elected president through the directors’ votes.

From day one, Bulbul remained cautious. He was careful with his words in front of the media, avoiding any direct comments about elections or staying on in the board permanently. In fact, he jokingly remarked, “I’ve come here to play T20 cricket, not for the long haul.”

Ironically, the same Bulbul who once said he came to “play T20” is now stepping onto the field with a long-term vision of staying in the board. Just a day after the BCB announced the election schedule, he confirmed in an exclusive interview with Cricket97 his decision to run for a director’s post.

“I will contest the election and, Inshallah, become a director,” Bulbul said in the interview. “What happens afterward, I don’t know. But I don’t want to leave half-finished the projects that have already shown results. Bangladesh cricket is a dreamland, and I want to carry this dream forward.”

He further added that cricket in Bangladesh is not just a sport—it creates new employment opportunities, brings in foreign currency, and contributes significantly to tourism. For these reasons, he wishes to remain in the board to see his initiatives through to completion.

Having served more than three months as BCB president, Bulbul is satisfied with the progress so far. Although he refrained from giving himself a score, he expressed happiness: “I’m glad that the work is moving forward and beginning to bear fruit. It feels even better knowing these efforts will achieve more in the future. Cricket isn’t just about playing; it plays a vital role in the nation’s development.”

Nominated by the NSC to replace Faruque Ahmed, Bulbul now faces a field that is likely to feature several other familiar faces. While he isn’t yet certain who all will contest, he acknowledged them with respect: “Whoever contests, they will have my utmost respect and cooperation.”

As a former captain, the first Test centurion for Bangladesh, and a cricket administrator with international experience, Bulbul views this election as an opportunity to complete unfinished tasks. However, high-profile rivals such as Faruque Ahmed and Tamim Iqbal are expected to be in the fray.

The question now is whether Bulbul can secure victory as a director—and perhaps, once again, earn the chance to serve as BCB president in the future. He may play the election with a “Test mindset,” but the contest itself promises to be nothing short of T20 excitement.