Since its liberation in 1971, Bangladesh has not witnessed such political violence which led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and made her flee the country on Monday. The turmoil, that started with a students’ protest against a controversial reservation rule, has left the country uncertain and disruptive. The protests became so widespread and rebellious that they overthrew the prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s ruling party Awami League out of power.
Statues of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, also known as ‘the father of the country’, have also been vandalized by uncontrolled protestors. To put things in balance, the country’s army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has met the President. As per the reports coming from Bangladesh, an interim all-party government will be formed to see the aftermath of events and run the state of affairs.
So, where does cricket find itself amidst all the chaos? Cricket might not be the most important thing to be concerned about right now in Bangladesh. But, certainly, the game followed by millions and with the largest fanbase across Southeast Asia, deserves to be discussed. The country’s cricket governing body, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), is highly influenced and controlled by politicians, especially those who belong to the Awami League. The next board elections are scheduled to be held in October 2025. But, a power shift may likely come soon inside the BCB administration.
The BCB’s president Nazmul Hassan has been the country’s sports minister since early 2024. Similarly, Shafiul Alam Chowdhury, the director of the board, became an MP from the ruling party in the 2024 general elections. Since, the fall of the Awami League government on August 05, no one knows their whereabouts or their official reaction.
Mashrafe Mortaza, former captain of the Bangladesh team and a current Awami League MP, also faced the wrath of the protestors. Often perceived as the youth icon of the country, Mashrafe chose not to speak in favor of the students’ protest. Therefore, some protestors set his parents’ home back ablaze.
Shakib Al Hasan, another cricket superstar of the country, is also a first-time MP from the ruling party. He’s currently taking part in the Global T20 Canada league, representing Bangla Tigers Mississauga. The all-rounder was seen in a heated argument with some fans after a match on Monday after he was abused by some Bangladeshi fans. His future, too, as a cricketer remains uncertain at this point.
Examples in the Past and Way Ahead for Bangladesh
The most recent example is Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) when the International Cricket Council (ICC), banned it for two months last year, following the disruption in the country’s administrative set-up. SLC was suspended for violation of responsibilities as an ICC member and interference by the government in the affairs of the board. Something similar might strike Bangladesh cricket as well if the situation leads to the same path as Sri Lanka.
For now, the biggest concern for the BCB is to run its matters efficiently to protect cricket from any outside hindrance. Bangladesh will be hosting the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in October later this year. However, ICC has already started to find alternative venues if the situation in Bangladesh is exacerbated. UAE, Sri Lanka, and India are the front-runners for a back-up choice.
