One advisor is a must, rest will be consulted if needed: Bulbul

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul has defended the appointment of three advisors, saying he will rely only on one, and seek input from the other two if necessary.

In an interview with bdnews24.com, Bulbul responded to growing criticism over the appointments, which many argue violate the board’s constitution.

The controversy deepened after the BCB announced on Thursday night the appointments of Sakhawath Hossain as cricket tourism advisor, Shyikh Mahadi Hasan as legal advisor, and Syed Abid Hossain Sami as cricket advisor.

According to Article 18 of Chapter IV of the BCB constitution, the president may appoint up to five advisors from among the country’s distinguished cricketers or cricket organisers.

None of the newly appointed advisors, however, fit that description, leading many to label the appointments “invalid”.

In response to these concerns, Bulbul explained the necessity of the advisory roles and outlined their respective functions.

“I’ve structured a work charter, but it’s proving difficult to move ahead without smoothing out the process,” he said.

“When Faruque Bhai was president, he also had three advisors, but did not disclose it publicly. I have done so for transparency.”

Bulbul singled out legal advisor Mahadi as “essential”.

“I need him. Legal support will be necessary along the way. I don’t have expertise in that area. He will provide the legal advice I need.”

He stressed that the advisors will not receive any remuneration or hold daily office responsibilities.

“They will only offer advice when asked. They won’t initiate anything themselves,” he said.

When asked about the relevance of the remaining two advisors, the BCB chief said: “The cricket board isn’t just about the national team. It generates significant foreign exchange and contributes to the national economy.

“It also plays a role in youth development.”

Drawing comparisons with Australia and the West Indies, he said those boards have dedicated wings for cricket tourism.

“We appointed a tourism expert to help us attract foreign visitors, enhance the country’s image through cricket, and encourage teams touring Bangladesh to bring fans,” he added. “This has nothing to do with on-field matters.”

Asked about Sakhawath’s qualifications, Bulbul said: “He’s currently the top figure in Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality sector. He heads Sheraton, Westin, and two other hotels. His experience is exceptional.”

He hopes to utilise Sakhawath for upcoming major events, including the Under-19 Women’s World Cup in 2027, the Asia Cup the same year, and the 2031 ICC ODI World Cup.

When asked if the advisors would continue after his tenure, Bulbul said: “They’ll remain as long as I’m here. After the election, the next president will decide. For now, they’ll help initiate the work.”

On whether a tourism advisor can achieve much in such a short term, Bulbul responded by explaining cricket advisor Sami’s role.

“There’s a lot going on in cricket--digitalisation, streaming, managing social media. Since we’re reaching the grassroots, we need someone to help connect and develop future cricketers. That’s where Sami comes in.”

Asked if the current BCB media team is enough for digital expansion, and why Sami was appointed as a cricket advisor instead of a digital media specialist, Bulbul said: “When I was at the ICC, I saw how Fin Bradshaw served as their digital head.

“Our media department, led by Mithu Bhai and Rabeed Bhai, is excellent at handling traditional media. But we want to expand into digital. Sami may be helpful there.”

He added, “Right now, we’re taking the Test status 25th anniversary celebration outside Dhaka. We want to use this as a launchpad for decentralisation.

“For that, we need someone to help connect emerging cricketers. Sami will work in this role.”

Some have criticised Faruque Ahmed for misjudging his priorities during a short tenure.

Bulbul was reminded that his time is even shorter. Why make advisor appointments a priority?

He replied: “I’ve played cricket for many years and worked professionally in this sector for 20 more. I want to focus on core cricket areas--coach development, umpire development, high-performance pathways, placing coaches in the right roles, and launching specialist programmes.”

“I’ve created a work plan called the Triple Century—100 percent trust, 100 percent performance, and 100 percent programme. Under this, we’re launching four major initiatives.”

First, boosting integrity and education: “You know the reputation issues from BPL and elsewhere. We want to spread awareness and ensure everyone—players, staff, officials—understands what’s right and what’s not.”

Second, delivering high performance for everyone: “Not just the national team—staff members, myself included—everyone must perform to a high standard. No room for nonsense.”

Third, connecting the entire country for decentralisation: “We’re planning four Greater Leagues, four-day matches for U-19s and younger players, and more.”

Fourth, turning the board into an internationally standard institution.

“I said I’d play a quick T20 innings. That’s why I want to launch these four programmes. I may not finish them, but I want to get them started. Legal support is essential for that, and I need this advisor.”

“As for the other two, I’ll consult them only if necessary,” Bulbul said.

“But let me say clearly—I’ve come to work. If I can’t work, I won’t waste time.”

Asked directly about breaching the constitution, the BCB chief admitted: “I only saw that clause [on Thursday]. It says the advisors must be former cricketers or organisers.

“But I’m trying to find technical ways to use people for cricket-related work. Still, we must align with the constitution.”

How can something outside the constitution be ‘adjusted’?

“Sometimes adjustments are necessary,” he said. “We’ll make those through discussion with the National Sports Council.”

Does that mean there’s no suitable former cricketer or organiser available for advisor roles?

“Of course there are,” he said. “You’re right. But this is just the beginning. We’ll form a Captains’ Team and engage them in core cricket tasks. That’s also in my charter.”

He added: “Our Test status 25th anniversary programmes are designed as a launchpad. We’ll approach DCs, police chiefs, and stakeholders in each region and tell them how we plan to work there, promote longer-format cricket.”

“In each district, we’ll have a head of cricket, and that person will definitely be a former cricketer. For example, we may propose Pilot [former captain Khaled Mashud] for Rajshahi. Other areas will have similar appointments.”

“This work is even more significant than that of an advisor--it’s operational. We’ll use them there.”

The BCB chief said 12 to 20 individuals will be deployed nationwide to train cricket coaches, with a clear focus on engaging former and recently retired cricketers.

Their skills will be developed and channelled into national cricket development efforts, which he stressed must begin without delay.