Former BCB official slams 'political grip' on Asian cricket, questions ICC leadership

A fresh controversy has erupted in Asian cricket after former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) general secretary and ex-Asian Cricket Council (ACC) CEO Syed Ashraful Haque delivered a sharp critique of the region’s cricket administration, accusing politicians of overtaking the sport’s governance.

Haque’s remarks come at a time of heightened tension between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the BCB. The strain intensified after the BCCI reportedly instructed IPL franchises not to field Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman in the 2026 season. The move followed protests in India over alleged targeted violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, prompting Dhaka to approach the ICC with a request to consider venues outside India for their matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Speaking on the issue, Haque expressed strong disapproval of the current leadership within international and regional cricket bodies, including ICC chairman Jay Shah. He argued that administrative decisions are increasingly driven by political motives rather than the spirit of the game, claiming that cricket boards across South Asia are now being run by individuals with little understanding of the sport itself.

According to Haque, such a situation would have been unthinkable during the era of veteran administrators who, he said, combined authority with experience and maturity. He stressed that while domestic leagues like the IPL may be subject to internal policies, global tournaments such as the World Cup operate under international frameworks and cannot be treated in the same manner.

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The former ACC chief also warned against making provocative public statements about withdrawing from World Cup events, describing them as reckless and damaging to the credibility of the sport. He alleged that religious sentiments are being exploited for political gain, particularly in the run-up to elections in parts of India, placing major international tournaments at risk.

Haque suggested that relocating Bangladesh’s World Cup matches to a neutral venue such as Sri Lanka could ease tensions and prevent further escalation. While acknowledging the financial impact of any potential boycott, he maintained that, for Bangladesh, issues of national dignity and principle would take precedence over monetary losses.

His comments have added another layer of intensity to an already sensitive standoff, raising broader questions about governance, neutrality, and the future of international cricket in the region.