'Cricket doesn't exist anymore': Ex-Bangladesh cricketer invites 'all to witness the circus'

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh cricket is going through a chaotic phase, where off-field drama seems to matter more than the actual game.

Former cricketer Aftab Ahmed, as quoted by Bangladeshi outlet The Daily Star, openly criticised the situation, saying, “Bangladesh’s biggest circus is the cricket board, and the ones around it,” reflecting frustration shared by many fans.

Issues like mismanagement, payment disputes, and constant controversies have kept cricket in the news even when no matches are being played.

Aftab also pointed out how deeply these issues have entered public awareness.

He compared it with his experience in the USA, saying, “I have been living in the USA for the past three years, but I still don’t know where the cricket board is located. Despite working with cricket almost every day, I don’t even know the [USA cricket] board’s location, let alone its members.

“You could say it is my failure that I don’t know. But people in Bangladesh don’t have that failure. Do you know why? Because even if you do not know, you will be informed by the media. Even if you do not want to know, they will make sure you do, through constant amplification,” Aftab added.

“Cricket doesn’t exist anymore; the circus does. I request you all to witness the circus.”

Drama around the cricket board

The situation escalated when the National Sports Council dissolved the existing cricket board led by Aminul Islam Bulbul, citing irregularities in the 2025 elections.

Though such action is within its authority, the timing and follow-up decisions raised questions.

A new 11-member ad hoc committee has been formed, headed by former captain Tamim Iqbal, who had earlier avoided elections due to “political interference and conspiracies”.

Several committee members reportedly have links to political figures, adding to concerns about outside influence in cricket administration.

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This has made the situation even more dramatic, prompting Aftab to sarcastically remark: “Even if you buy a ticket worth Tk 2,000, it will not go in vain considering the type of circus going on in the cricket board.”