Bangladesh may finally have the kind of cricket leader fans have long hoped for.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s new president, Aminul Islam Bulbul, has quickly drawn attention—not with speeches or slogans, but with action.
He’s out of the boardroom and onto the field.
Bulbul has been seen tossing coins at matches, talking to young players face to face, and launching programs that feel more real than promotional. It’s the kind of leadership many say the sport in Bangladesh has lacked.
For years, fans complained that cricket development stayed stuck inside air-conditioned rooms. Bulbul seems to be doing the opposite.
His latest initiative in Rajshahi stood out.
Marking 25 years of Test cricket, the BCB held a vibrant event for rising stars. The field entrance was lined with giant images of Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiqur, and Mashrafe.
Each photo came with match details and individual milestones.
Kids walking in saw more than posters. They saw what they could become.
One corner featured an empty banner. Anyone, including young players or their parents, could write their name on it. That simple idea—”leave your mark”—turned into something meaningful.
Inside, the field was full of activities.
There was a pace challenge. An art zone where children mixed cricket with creativity. Even a live commentary booth, open to anyone bold enough to try.
It didn’t feel like just a cricket event. It felt like a festival built around the future.
Bulbul also made clear that this wasn’t a one-time show. His goal is to change how cricket is found and developed.
The focus now is to bring players from the village level, then move upward to sub-districts, districts, and divisions.
It’s not new in theory, but this time it’s being done with structure and presence.
Younger players, their families, and even coaches seem to be noticing.
“It’s the first time we’ve seen someone from the top actually on the ground,” said one local coach in Rajshahi. “He listens. He asks questions. That matters.”
Cricket in Bangladesh has grown fast over the past two decades. But many argue the system still leaves too many players behind. The talent is there, but the path is blurry.
Bulbul wants to fix that.
He hasn’t made bold claims about winning trophies. Instead, he talks about systems, access, and long-term vision.
It’s early. And some are waiting to see if this energy lasts.
But for now, something feels different.
Fans used to say that nothing changes. That no one listens.
Maybe they’re still right. Maybe not.
But this time, someone’s actually standing on the pitch. Coin in hand. Eyes on the kids.
That alone has started a new kind of conversation in Bangladesh cricket.
