'Iran went to play in America during war': Tamim says Bangladesh should have played T20 WC in India

Dhaka/New Delhi: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Tamim Iqbal remains optimistic about holding a long-pending home white-ball series against India, stating that both boards are actively working to find a suitable window within their tight schedules.

Speaking on the YouTube channel 'Not Out Norman', Tamim confirmed that the three ODIs and three T20Is will not take place in September as originally scheduled, as India is set to play a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan starting September 13.

"That it (India series) won't happen hasn't been decided yet," Tamim said.

"Both boards are very sincere that this thing happens. Both BCCI and BCB are looking at windows as well, which time what can be done. Roughly a date, around which we are also thinking whether it can be done at this time or not.

"If I saw the intention was negative, then today I wouldn't even have said this word to you, 'Let's see what happens, we're hopeful.' I wouldn't have even said this word. Intentions are very positive," he asserted.

Tamim noted that consistent talks between the two governing bodies are ongoing and "dates are being figured out."

Relations between the BCCI and BCB grew strained ahead of the T20 World Cup in India earlier this year, leading to Bangladesh withdrawing over security concerns. The dispute followed the unexplainable removal of veteran all-rounder Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL by the BCCI, despite his contract with Kolkata Knight Riders.

These sporting frictions mirrored broader diplomatic tensions following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in Bangladesh.

Reflecting on the event, Tamim acknowledged that Bangladesh could have managed the situation more effectively to ensure participation in the tournament.

"Look, Mustafizur's issue was obviously something that the whole country was disappointed with. This was in no way right thing to do, this should never have been done. At that time I endorsed this, I am saying it even now. But we are going to play a World Cup," he said.

"If you go to a point of no return on the very first day, then that (solution) won't happen. And I feel in some cases, sports should remain as sports. So much trouble happened recently, right? Iran went to play in America during the ongoing war between two countries, I mean, that was bigger than this, a war is going on. So that's my point, I mean, a war is going on," he pointed out.

"...we should have definitely played the World Cup. We should have definitely done the negotiation in a better way," he added. (PTI)