Male, Maldives – The Cricket Board of Maldives (CBM) has amended its bylaws to introduce term limits for the positions of President and Vice President.
Under the new rules, both positions will be capped at two consecutive four-year terms. After serving two terms, an individual can only return to the position after a full four-year term has passed.
This significant amendment, passed during a special general meeting on October 19, 2024, is the first instance in the Maldives where term limits for the leadership of an association have been formalized in its constitution.
The revised bylaws have been officially registered with the Commissioner of Sports.
The changes to the bylaws, which were originally drafted in 2008, are in line with the updated regulations for registering and operating sports associations in the Maldives. They also reflect recommendations made by CBM board members and address the evolving management structure of the board, which has seen an increase in membership.
Key Amendments and Changes to CBM Bylaws
Mohamed Faisal, the current President of the Cricket Board, who is serving his second term, highlighted the introduction of term limits as the most significant change.
"The establishment of term limits for the President and Vice President is a major step forward. This will allow for fresh leadership and ensure more people have the opportunity to hold these important positions," Faisal said.
The new bylaws stipulate that the President and Vice President can serve no more than two consecutive terms, each lasting four years. After completing this maximum tenure, they can only seek re-election after a full four-year term has passed.
Faisal believes this change will bring new leadership to the forefront and increase opportunities for different individuals to contribute to the management of the Cricket Board.
In addition to the term limits, several other changes were made to the structure and functioning of the Cricket Board. These include adjustments to the composition of the executive committee, clarification of the process for determining full and associate members, and measures to strengthen the roles of the Cricket Board's committees.
The amended bylaws will come into effect on November 17, 2024. Faisal explained that these changes are designed to expand the role of board members and provide greater representation.
"As the number of CBM members has grown, the new bylaws will allow full members to have more say in the decision-making process by increasing their representation on the executive committee," he said.
To further empower and engage clubs, the revised bylaws now require each member to participate in a certain number of tournaments each year. The changes also include provisions to ensure that members maintain their voting rights by meeting specific requirements, fostering a more active and involved membership.
Faisal was first elected President of the Cricket Board in September 2020, running unopposed. In September 2024, he secured a second term in a competitive election against Farhath Jaleel, a senior cricket administrator.
However, under the new term limit regulations, Faisal will only be eligible to run for a third term after four years have passed.
Faisal, who has a background in both cricket and volleyball, previously served as the General Secretary of the Cricket Board in 2011 and as Vice President from 2012 to 2016. Even during his tenure at the Foreign Ministry, Faisal has been a dedicated advocate for the development of sports in the Maldives and has worked to create opportunities for the country in international sports.
