Kamal BCB’s new boss

The government on Wednesday appointed AHM Mustafa Kamal as the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) putting an end to speculations where he was a front-runner for the hot seat.
Keeping in mind the 2011 World Cup, in which Bangladesh is a co-host, the present government had been searching for a suitable candidate for the sensitive post where Kamal, popularly known as Lotus Kamal, won the two-way battle against Gazi Golam Dastagir.
The 62-year-old Awami League lawmaker from Comilla will replace Lt Gen Sina Ibn Jamali, who has been running the show since July 29, 2007.
Kamal will take over the presidency of most lucrative federation today. He will be the second Awami League lawmaker after Saber Hossain Chowdhury whose dynamic leadership from 1996 to 2001 saw Bangladesh win the Test status.
Although Kamal has not previously served the board in any capacity, his love for the game and the money he spent to make domestic cricket popular made him the popular choice for the demanding job.
Kamal, who is the cricket committee chairman of popular club Abahani, a position he has successfully held since 1990, however said that he was ready to take the challenge.
“First of all I’m thankful to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for giving me the opportunity to lead a very important sports federation, especially when we are going to host a World Cup. I am aware about the huge responsibility and I am ready to take the challenge,” said an excited Kamal in his instant reaction yesterday.
Bangladesh will stage the opening ceremony of the 2011 World Cup, an event of this magnitude the country has never staged before. Besides, Bangladesh will also play host to eight matches including two quarterfinals of cricket’s quadrennial showpiece event.
“I think professionalism is the most important thing to successfully run any organisation and I must ensure it at BCB during my tenure. If we can ensure professionalism in our all activities then we would be able to achieve everything,” said a confident new BCB president, who is also a leading apparel businessman. He also said that it would not be a problem for him to run the show properly despite the fact that he holds some important responsibilities. Presently he is the chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on the Ministry of Finance and also the secretary, finance and planning of the Bangladesh Awami League
“You know, a manager gets the job done. I will try my best to ensure teamwork to achieve the goal. I can ensure you that I will give my best effort to enhance the reputation of Bangladesh cricket and I am hopeful that I will get all out support from elected board directors,” he hoped.
He said that the board has to have the long-term and short-term strategy to improve the game in the country.
“I have some plans but let me start my job first,” he added.
BCB’s director and media committee chairman Jalal Yunus said that they were happy with the appointment.
“We got a good leader ahead of the World Cup because he [AHM Mustafa Kamal] has a rich background. We also want to thank the outgoing president for successfully running the show and working with a positive frame of mind,” said Yunus, who is also vice-president of Abahani’s cricket committee.

Courtesy of The Daily Star