Mahbub Anam has stepped aside from the Bangladesh Cricket (BCB) Board election, pulling his name before nominations even opened and leaving the October polls without one of its most familiar figures.

Once considered a potential presidential contender, Mahbub recently told reporters that he would not enter the race.

“I have already said I won’t take part unless the environment improves, and you know what is happening. What’s going on now, I don’t think it will end anywhere,” he said.

The comments highlight the factionalism plaguing the board ahead of the elections, while his decision to withdraw comes amid ongoing controversy.

Senior sports journalist Shamim Chowdhury told UNB that Mahbub’s position had eroded. “Multiple ACC investigations are ongoing against him. There are allegations of mishandling board funds. All this has cornered him within the BCB,” he said.

Chowdhury added that Mahbub did play a role in shaping Mirpur into a cricket stadium two decades ago, when Australia provided technical support under the supervision of Arafat Rahman Koko, son of then–prime minister Khaleda Zia.

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“That chapter is part of his contribution, but it doesn’t erase the pressure he faces today,” he said.

His exit narrows the field at a time when former cricketers are pressing for more influence on the board. With directors’ terms ending September 30, the presidential race is still open, but one of its longest-serving names is gone.