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‘Congratulations to those who orchestrated this coup d’état,’ MCA president Iqbal exits with pointed swipe | Scoop
Iqbal announced his resignation on Saturday, issuing a strongly worded statement alluding to internal sabotage and reaffirming his commitment to the sport despite stepping down. — Bernama file pic, April 13, 2025
Sports

‘Congratulations to those who orchestrated this coup d’état,’ MCA president Iqbal exits with pointed swipe

Iqbal Ali Kassim Ali resigns after record-breaking tenure, citing a breakdown in integrity and hinting at internal power play within the Malaysian Cricket Association

Main Author Image
Sandru Narayanan
Updated
3:21 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) president Mohammed Iqbal Ali Kassim Ali today announced his resignation in a scathing statement that suggested an internal leadership struggle, sarcastically congratulating those he said had “orchestrated this coup d’état.”

“By stepping down today, I maintain my integrity,” Iqbal said in a statement. “My love for the game has not diminished nor has my commitment to see our flag raised on the world stage by those who come from this land.”

He also hinted at underhanded dealings within the organisation, saying only “the wisdom of our previous generations can be called upon to understand what has happened; mesti ada udang sebalik batu (there must be some funny business afoot).”

Several other members of the MCA executive committee also tendered their resignations, though Iqbal noted that some had opted to remain. 

“I cannot speak for those who have not resigned today — it will be for them to address in their own conscience, and I will let history judge their actions.”

Iqbal’s departure comes despite a period of record-breaking success for the national cricket body. 

Under his leadership, both the men’s and women’s national teams reached their highest-ever international rankings — 24th in the world. 

He also oversaw the hosting of the ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup earlier this year, which drew a global broadcast audience of over 750 million viewers.

Under his leadership, Iqbal also brought in Dutchman Jon Van Bunge to coach the girls’ team for the tournament. However, the Malaysian side struggled on home soil, losing all four of their group-stage matches and finishing bottom of the 16-team standings.

The MCA also recorded a dramatic increase in revenue, rising from RM4 million when Iqbal first took over to more than RM17 million this year.

In his statement, the former national team captain described cricket as “a gentleman’s game, built on a bedrock of integrity, sportsmanship and rules,” and urged young players not to let current events “negatively impact your image of our beloved sport.”

“What has been predicated over the last few months is not Cricket,” he said. — April 13, 2025

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