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Tamim Iqbal Confirms Candidacy For BCB Elections; Eyes Director Role Before Presidency Bid

Soumyajit Dutta

Tamim Iqbal [Source: @BairagiHitartha/X.com]Tamim Iqbal [Source: @BairagiHitartha/X.com]

Former Bangladesh captain and opening batter Tamim Iqbal on Sunday (August 31) confirmed that he will contest in the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections, scheduled for October.

Tamim, 36, who played 70 Tests, 243 ODIs and 78 T20Is for Bangladesh between 2007 and 2023, said his first focus is to contest for the director’s post. Only after securing that position would he consider running for the presidency.

Presidency not the immediate target for Tamim

Speaking on the Presidency run and election procedures Tamim explained that the BCB structure requires directors to be elected first before voting for a president takes place.

“It would be foolish to say I want to be president now. If the presidency were a direct election, I could say whether I am running or not. That will be decided after the board of directors is elected,” Tamim told Bengali daily Kalerkantha.

He added that if he finds enough support later, he might consider running for the presidency. “For now, I will say I want to become a director first. The rest will be seen later.”

Tamim, Bangladesh’s highest ODI run-getter and second-highest Test run-scorer, urged stakeholders to focus on qualifications rather than politics.

“All stakeholders say cricket should be free of politics, but the reality is different. Instead of smearing each other, the main question should be, who is the best candidate to take Bangladesh cricket forward?” Tamim stressed.

Tamim's Plans to improve cricket facilities

If elected, Tamim said his priority would be to improve cricket infrastructure in Bangladesh. “What does Bangladesh cricket need most right now? Facilities. Players and coaches exist, but infrastructure is lacking. Even during BPL or DPL, seven teams practice on the same ground,” he said.

Tamim Iqbal pointed out that despite the Bangladesh Cricket Board being among the richest in the world, it still does not have world-class facilities. He said that if given the opportunity, his priority would be to develop proper infrastructure within four years to ensure Bangladesh cricket is better prepared for the next 8–10 years.