When does a leader stop talking and start doing?
For many in Bangladesh, the answer may be now.
New Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul has begun his term with a clear shift in tone and action. He’s not sitting in an office planning distant reforms. He’s on the field, coin in hand, shaking hands with young cricketers.
It’s a noticeable break from how things used to run.
Bulbul has long been known for discipline, but now he’s becoming known for connection. Where past BCB presidents kept their distance, Bulbul has made himself visible—from district fields to grassroots events.
One recent example came in Rajshahi. To celebrate 25 years of Bangladesh in Test cricket, the BCB organized a full-scale program for junior cricketers. It meant more than it looked.
Players entered beneath giant banners of Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiq, and Mashrafe. Each photo came with stats and match history. For a young player, it felt personal.
Further down, a blank banner waited. Anyone could sign it—children, parents, even visitors. It was a small gesture with a big message: cricket belongs to everyone.
Inside, the field was packed with activities. A pace challenge zone. An art gallery connecting cricket with creativity. Even a live commentary booth where kids could try their hand at calling a match.
It didn’t feel elite. It felt open.
Bulbul’s philosophy is becoming clearer with each appearance. He believes cricket growth doesn’t start with central contracts or TV rights. It starts in villages. In small coaching centers. In the moment a kid sees a poster of their hero and wonders if they could be next.
He’s said as much publicly. And now, he’s acting on it.
This isn’t just about sentiment. Bulbul has outlined a plan to decentralize talent scouting—from village to subdistrict, then district to division. It’s a step-by-step pipeline that supporters say was long overdue.
The response so far has been mostly positive.
Parents at recent events praised the visibility and the energy. Some noted they’d never seen a BCB official, let alone the president, attend a children’s match.
Even long-time critics of the board say the new approach feels different. More grounded. More hopeful.
Still, it’s early. And the real test will be whether this outreach leads to real change. More investment. Better training. Fairer opportunities.
Bulbul doesn’t promise quick fixes. But he does show up.
And that, for now, has caught people’s attention.
As one coach at the Rajshahi event put it, “He doesn’t talk about cricket from a chair. He stands on the pitch.”
That’s where dreams begin. And where, perhaps, Bangladesh cricket starts a new chapter.
