DCCOA declares boycott of all cricket in Dhaka

by Atif Azam • Last updated on

Representatives from several prominent clubs and districts under the umbrella of DCCOA rejected the legitimacy of the BCB elections © Cricbuzz

Protesting Dhaka-based cricket organizers on Wednesday declared a complete boycott of all levels of cricket in protest against the recently-concluded Bangladesh Cricket Board election in which Aminul Islam emerged as head of the board. The organizers claimed the election was 'illegal'.

Representatives from several prominent clubs and districts under the umbrella of Dhaka Club Cricket Organizers Association (DCCOA) rejected the legitimacy of BCB election that saw Tamim Iqbal withdrawing from the election citing government interference.

"We do not recognize this election. There is no point in any discussion," said Masuduzzaman, councilor of Mohammedan Sporting Club. "He (Bulbul) has nothing to say now. He is an illegal president. We will not participate in any kind of league or district cricket from now.

"If any club faces threats or pressure, we will remain united. Cricket, for now, will remain suspended," he said adding that they have 38 clubs with them in the protest while insisting that the numbers are increasing with each passing day.

However, club officials confirmed to Cricbuzz that they are yet to file any written letter to the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis, a unit of BCB responsible to hold leagues of different tiers, informing about their intentions.

Tamim, who also attended the briefing, said he did not consider the recently concluded election as genuine.

"I found it laughable that 34 out of 42 club votes were cast through e-voting - even though those voters were physically present at the polling centre," Tamim said.

Major (retd) Imrose Ahmed, Rafiqul Islam Babu, SM Abdullah Al Fuad Redwan and other councillors from various clubs and districts joined Tamim and Masuduzzaman as they announced the boycott.

Earlier this week, Bulbul, who secured a second term as BCB president, said he will go to different stakeholders of cricket to bring them back and help them take the game forward. However, DCCOA leaders rejected his invitation as they insisted that they are not ready to sit with him as he is part of flawed and manipulated election process.

"Discussion comes after recognition. We don't recognize this election or the result. So there's no scope for dialogue," said Masuduzzaman.

The Dhaka Third Division Cricket League now faces further uncertainty after it was rescheduled due to BCB election. Initially, CCDM planned to hold the Third Division League from October 1.

It is understood that BCB high officials holding a meeting when the report was filed to discuss the latest developments following the boycott announced by the clubs and district organizers.

In a press release, the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM), the organising body for all club-based competitions in Dhaka, reaffirmed its commitment to holding leagues under its jurisdiction as scheduled in the domestic calendar for 2025-26.

It stated, "The CCDM wishes to assure players and stakeholders that every necessary preparation is being taken to organise the competitions, the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, Dhaka First, Second and Third Division Cricket Leagues, the Dhaka First Division T20 League, the Dhaka Third Division Qualifying League, and the CCDM Challenge Cup in accordance with the calendar's timetable.

"The interests and welfare of the players remain the highest priority and primary focus of both the CCDM and the Bangladesh Cricket Board."

© Cricbuzz

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