The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday dismissed speculations that its president Aminul Islam has left the country permanently following the recent general election.

Board officials clarified Aminul Islam is currently in Australia on a personal visit to meet his family and is scheduled to return.

Rumours of Aminul’s departure gained traction after several media outlets suggested he might not return, given that the interim government under which he took office is set to hand over power within a day.

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Adding to the speculation is the fact that Aminul was a resident of Australia before assuming the BCB presidency.

Amzad Hussain, BCB Director and Chairman of the Media Committee, told UNB, “He went to meet his family. From there, he will join the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars final match. Then he will come back.”  

The controversy surrounding Aminul’s travel comes at a turbulent time for Bangladesh cricket. The national team recently opted out of the ongoing T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in India.

The BCB had requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka, a plea that was ultimately rejected.

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While some cricket analysts have labeled the withdrawal a diplomatic failure on Islam’s part, the BCB and the outgoing interim government have stood firm on their decision.

They maintain that the safety of Bangladeshi players, fans and journalists in India could not be guaranteed and have expressed no regret over the move.