‘We gave away a World Cup’: Tamim Iqbal slams previous BCB board over India T20 boycott
Dhaka: The landscape of Bangladesh cricket is undergoing a significant administrative transformation with the rise of Tamim Iqbal. The former national captain has assumed the role of interim president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), appointed under the oversight of the current government to succeed Aminul Islam Bulbul.
The transition marks a pivotal shift in the board's international diplomacy. Under Bulbul’s leadership, the BCB navigated a period of heightened friction with India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Restoring this bilateral bond has now emerged as a primary objective for the new administration.
Tamim has been vocal regarding the failures of his predecessors, particularly concerning the controversy surrounding the 2026 T20 World Cup. He asserted that the previous board mishandled the situation and missed viable opportunities to negotiate a resolution with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The 2026 World Cup Controversy
The tenure of Aminul Islam Bulbul was defined by a major dispute with global cricket authorities. Citing concerns over safety and security, the BCB declined to send the national team to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Despite an ultimatum from the ICC, the board remained resolute. Consequently, the ICC disqualified Bangladesh from the tournament, naming Scotland as the replacement.
In a recent interview with the Indian Express, Tamim criticised the previous officials for their lack of diplomacy.
“I was probably the first to speak out when the (T20) World Cup issue happened. What was done, and how it was handled by the previous Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) administration, was not right. The ICC was lenient; there was room to find a solution. We should have found it,” Tamim said.
He reflected on the emotional weight of World Cup participation, recalling the national fervour following Bangladesh’s 1997 ICC Trophy victory against Kenya.
“My house was floating in coloured water. People celebrated in the streets. That celebration brought kids into cricket — everybody wanted to be Minhajul Abedin Nannu, Khaled Mashud, Akram Khan. And we gave away a World Cup without even having a proper dialogue. There might be players in that squad who will never play in a World Cup again. That I did not take nicely,” he added.
Strengthening Ties with the BCCI
Contrary to the stance of previous officials, Tamim expressed full confidence in India’s security environment and highlighted his personal connection with Mithun Manhas, the current president of the BCCI. The two shared a locker room during their time in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“Regarding BCCI — I have played a lot of cricket with (current BCCI president) Mithun Manhas. In the IPL, we were in the same team; he has come to Bangladesh many times to play in the Dhaka leagues. Very good rapport. I haven’t had the chance to sit with him in this capacity yet, but I know him well. The country’s security is absolutely brilliant at the moment,” Tamim noted.
The interim president emphasised that the rapport between the two boards is currently healthy and expressed optimism regarding future bilateral play. He suggested that a cricket series between the two nations would be an ideal mechanism for progress.
“When India comes here, the whole stadium is packed. People love that contest. I personally don’t think BCB and BCCI have any real issues anymore. A series here would be a great way to take the next step forward,” Tamim concluded.