As Bulbul takes BCB reins, can he succeed where Faruque failed?

Aminul Islam Bulbul had just wrapped up his opening address at his first press conference as president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

The new president might have expected a few softballs. Instead, the press hurled bouncers at him -- sharp and uncomfortable ones at that. What made it more awkward? The key figures behind those questions were seated right beside him, according to bdnews24.com.

Just nine months ago, it was Faruque Ahmed who sat in the same room, at the same podium, flanked by the same men, as the newly appointed president of the BCB.

Today, he is out -- isolated and unsupported. The very people who once stood by his side now pushed him out, questioning his leadership and forcing his resignation before completing a year in office.

Aminul has been installed through the same process. And once again, those same smiling faces surround the new president. The question is, where will this alliance lead him?

Those faces include BCB directors like Mahbub Anam, who has been in the boardroom for over two decades, regardless of political changes. Others, like Akram Khan and Kazi Inam Ahmed, have served as directors under Nazmul Hassan's multiple terms. Figures like Fahim Sinha and Iftekhar Rahman joined later but were part of the Nazmul-led board as well.

These long-serving directors have held sway for years, despite persistent controversies and criticism. With this baggage, can a "fresh start" under a new president really be clean? Faruque might already have an answer.

Eight of the nine directors from the current group sent a letter of no confidence against Faruque to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Akram being the lone exception. Ironically, many of the allegations in the letter are ones they themselves have faced over the years.

Those same directors have long been the subject of media scrutiny. Numerous reports and questions have targeted their roles, yet they've remained untouched.

Some of the issues raised against Faruque had also surfaced during Nazmul's presidency. But at that time, not one of these directors protested or expressed event the mildest dissent.

So, it's hard to believe that this move to oust Faruque was driven by a greater good or concern for cricket's future. Rather, it seems more likely to be a power play -- a conflict of interests and personal agendas.

And what's to say Bulbul won't find himself in the same position soon?

It is this very suspicion that led to the barrage of tough questions at the press conference:

"Faruque Ahmed may have lacked people management skills. You now have to work with the same characters. How important is it to manage such people?"

"You've been outspoken about issues in the board. Now the same people who once undermined you are sitting beside you. How does that feel?"

"Some of those you criticised have been here 10 to 12 years, and have faced serious allegations. How will you work with them? Faruque came in with similar hopes. He was forced out. Will you meet the same fate?"

"Faruque was nominated by the National Sports Council, and they revoked that nomination. You've been nominated by them too. Will you have to follow their lead? Does that feel like a burden?"

To his credit, Bulbul didn't lash out or deflect. Instead, he gave a measured response focussed on unity and collaboration.

"We're a team. I've just started. I don't have much experience at this moment. But we will move forward by using everyone's experience and energy," he said.

Bulbul, who has long been a critic from outside the board, promised to carry the same mindset now that he's inside to address flaws with sincerity.