Days before Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test series, BCB Director Jalal Yunus steps down

‘For greater interest of cricket‘ quipped Jalal Yunus, who recently stepped down from this role of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director. A significant shake-up is underway in Bangladesh cricket as Jalal Yunus, a key figure in BCB, has stepped down from his position as director and chairman of the cricket operations committee.

Why did Yunus step down?

The move comes after pressure from the National Sports Council (NSC), which oversees all sports bodies in the country. The NSC has called for a complete overhaul of sports administration in Bangladesh, aiming to eliminate political influence. The country is also under immense unrest, after the ever-going protests.

Yunus, a former fast bowler turned administrator, has been a prominent figure in Bangladesh cricket for over two decades. While he expressed his resignation was for the “greater interest of cricket,” it is clear that the NSC’s directive played a crucial role in his decision. “I am all for cricket running properly and correctly. I am alright with their intention to replace me as per the constitution. I don’t want to be a stumbling block for cricket’s progress,” said Yunus to ESPNcricinfo.

Interestingly, Ahmed Sajjadul Alam, another NSC-nominated director, has resisted the call to resign. The BCB has been under scrutiny time and again for its close ties to politics. Former BCB president Nazmul Hassan was a sports minister, while several other board members also held political positions.

As the BCB undergoes this period of transition, Faruque Ahmed, a former Bangladesh captain, is reportedly in line to replace Yunus as the NSC-nominated director. This change could mark the beginning of a new era for Bangladesh cricket, one that is less influenced by politics and more focused on developing the sport. After all, Bangladesh Cricket has no dearth of raw talent.