Tamim Iqbal Condemns BCB’s Treatment of Cricketers as “Regrettable”

Top cricket clubs in Dhaka have recently refused to participate in domestic leagues, citing allegations of irregularities in the latest Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections. This boycott has directly impacted the commencement of the First Division League, causing significant delays and disruption to the domestic calendar.

Although the 12-team tournament officially began today, only one out of the four scheduled matches has taken place on the field so far. The disruption highlights the growing tension between the board and the players, as concerns over governance and transparency continue to simmer.

Even before the league could officially start, a tense scene unfolded at the BCB headquarters yesterday. Players from boycotting clubs staged a protest while the board was unveiling trophies for participating teams. Cricketing representatives carried placards reading: “Why is the Dhaka League halted?”, “All players want to play”, and “Where is the career of 880 cricketers?” They maintained their vigil outside the gates for several hours, demanding attention to their grievances.

Subsequently, the protesting players were invited to discuss matters with three senior BCB officials. Despite this dialogue, former national captain Tamim Iqbal expressed strong disapproval of the board’s conduct. Writing on his Facebook page, he stated:

“Cricketers are the BCB’s most important stakeholders. Yet, many were not allowed inside the grounds yesterday. Players from various divisions had come to present their legitimate concerns—concerns that are entirely justified. Still, they were kept outside the gates.”

Tamim added that while a small representative group was eventually admitted for discussions, the broader treatment of the majority of players was “regrettable.” He concluded:

“As a professional cricketer, I feel compelled to register my protest against this conduct.”

Club officials and players alike argue that such administrative lapses not only hinder the smooth running of domestic competitions but also threaten the careers of emerging talent. With limited opportunities to compete, young players face an uncertain future, highlighting the urgent need for transparent and responsive governance by the BCB.

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