Bangladesh Cricket Board Chief Aminul Islam. Image Credits: X
Bangladesh is facing one of its most difficult times in recent times, with controversy surrounding BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul adding to the growing uncertainty. Bulbul left Dhaka for Australia late Sunday night, despite earlier strongly denying reports that he was planning to leave the country.
Speculation about Bulbul's departure had been circulating since Sunday evening. Media reports suggested that the BCB president would fly to Australia to be with his family.
In response, Bulbul publicly dismissed the claims and insisted that he was fully focused on his duties in Dhaka.
BCB President denies exit from Bangladesh
Speaking to Star Play, Bulbul said he had spent the entire day at the BCB office and would continue working the following day. He stressed that there was no plan to travel abroad and described the reports as false.
"There was never any plan to go to my family, and that is my personal matter," Bulbul said.
He added that he was busy with important responsibilities at the cricket board and questioned the sources of the media reports.
Bulbul also warned that spreading misinformation could harm the credibility of the institution and slow down important work. "Let’s try to speak the truth and do the real work," he said.
BCB President leaves for Australia
However, despite his public denial, airport sources later confirmed that Bulbul had indeed left the country. A source at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport told Daily Sun on Monday that the BCB president flew to Australia on Sunday night.
“Yes, he had left for Australia tonight," the source confirmed. The official added that Bulbul usually travels to Australia for around two weeks, though it was unclear when he would return this time.
According to the same report, sources close to the development have suggested that Bulbul’s return may not be immediate. There is uncertainty about his future at the BCB headquarters, especially with Bangladesh’s general election scheduled for the 12th.
Some insiders believe this political situation may have influenced his decision to leave the country.
Bangladesh out of the T20 World Cup, Scotland in
The controversy has gained further momentum, coming at a time when Bangladesh cricket is already under severe pressure. The ICC has officially removed Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026.
The global body recently confirmed that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the tournament, which is set to be held in India and Sri Lanka next month.
The ICC informed the BCB of the decision in a formal letter following a key meeting. In a last attempt to delay the outcome, the BCB requested that the matter be referred to the ICC’s dispute resolution committee.
However, the committee ruled that it could not act as an appeal body, allowing the ICC’s decision to stand.
The BCB had proposed two alternatives: relocating Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka or moving the team to a different group. Both options were rejected by the ICC.
With Bangladesh now officially out of the T20 World Cup and the BCB president leaving the country amid denials, questions are being raised about the future of Bangladesh cricket.
