Tamim Urges BCB to Avoid Emotion in India Tour Decision

Former Bangladesh's Captain Tamim Iqbal Breaks Silence on Mustafizur Dispute

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to make decisions with long-term vision rather than emotion as debate intensifies over the national team’s potential tour of India following tensions involving pacer Mustafizur Rahman.

While the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) continues to dominate domestic cricket attention, uncertainty has grown around the Tigers’ World Cup participation after a recent standoff between the BCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

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The issue has polarized supporters, with many calling for a boycott of the India tour. Speaking to reporters on Thursday during the jersey unveiling ceremony of the Zia Inter-University Tournament in Dhaka, Tamim emphasized that such decisions must be taken independently and with future implications in mind.

“If I were part of the board, my decision would be based on everything, starting from the future,” Tamim said. While acknowledging the government’s involvement in cricket administration, he underlined the BCB’s autonomy. “The government is obviously a major part of the cricket board, but the board is independent. Ultimately, the decision has to be theirs.”

Tamim highlighted the financial realities of international cricket, noting that 90% to 95% of Bangladesh cricket’s revenue comes from the International Cricket Council (ICC). “You have to consider all factors and take the decision that benefits Bangladesh cricket,” he said, warning that frequent public statements from different stakeholders only escalate tensions unnecessarily.

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He also advised the board to refrain from daily public commentary. “The board has far more information than the media or the general public — even more than I do. Make the decision first, then speak publicly,” Tamim said.

While praising the passion shown by supporters over the Mustafizur issue, Tamim cautioned against allowing sentiment to dictate policy. “Fans will always speak emotionally, but a big institution cannot be run on emotion alone,” he said, adding that financial losses could be a major obstacle if a boycott of the India tour is pursued.

crifosports/8January26/AZ