The much-anticipated election for the new executive committee of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) began on Sunday (October 6), marking a crucial moment for the country’s cricket administration.

Voting started at 10 am and will continue until 4 pm at a five-star hotel in the capital, amid a backdrop of controversy and political intrigue that has surrounded the election process.

Several high-profile candidates, including Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, Debabrata Pal, Khaled Mashud Pilot, and Iftikhar Ahmed Mithu, were among those present to cast their votes and contest positions.

According to the election schedule, the results for director positions will be announced by 6 pm, followed by the election of the president and vice-presidents at 7:30 pm. The final results for those top posts are expected around 9 pm.

Following a court order on Sunday lifting the suspension of 15 clubs, a total of 76 club councillors are eligible to vote in today’s election. However, candidates who have withdrawn from the race—such as former national team captain Tamim Iqbal, Fahim Sinha, and Rafiqul Islam Babu—will only be allowed to vote, not contest. Their withdrawal has somewhat subdued competition in the Dhaka club quota (Category 2).

Still, 17 candidates are competing in this category, with 12 to be elected. In the district and divisional category (Category 1), 10 directors will be chosen from 72 votes. Nine have already been elected unopposed, leaving only Rangpur Division to hold a vote, where Mohammad Hasanuzzaman, Rehatul Islam Khoka, and Mohammad Nur E Shahadat Swapon are contesting.

The BCB election, officially announced on September 1, has sparked weeks of speculation and debate. With voting finally underway, today’s outcome will determine the future leadership of Bangladesh’s cricket administration — a body that plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s most popular sport.

SMS/