During his first formal press conference as the President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) ad-hoc committee, held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday, 30 April 2026, Tamim Iqbal addressed the complex status of senior cricketers currently distanced from the national setup.
The former opening batter urged the media and public to broaden their perspective beyond a singular focus on Shakib Al Hasan, highlighting that other veteran captains find themselves in nearly identical circumstances due to the political transition of late 2024.
Request for Balanced Scrutiny of Veteran Players
Tamim specifically identified Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Naimur Rahman Durjoy, both landmark former captains, as being in the same “situation” as Shakib. Following the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024, legal cases were filed against several figures associated with the party, including these three cricketers who had served as Members of Parliament.
“From my current position, I have one request: for the last year or two, we have been consistently discussing one particular cricketer—Shakib,” Tamim stated. “However, I would also request that when you raise this, please remember that three of our former captains—Mashrafe, Durjoy, and Shakib—are in a similar situation. It would not be right to single out just one.”
Tamim emphasized that as all three are celebrated former cricketers, the discourse regarding their potential return to the national fold should be treated with parity and inclusivity.
BCB’s Position on Support and Legal Resolution
Addressing the logistics of a return to the national team, Tamim clarified the distinction between the board’s role in providing sporting facilities and the state’s legal proceedings. He noted that the board is prepared to facilitate their requirements provided their external complications are resolved.
Cricketing Support: Tamim confirmed that the BCB is ready to assist with training and match readiness, stating they would “welcome them with open arms” for any cricketing matters.
Government Stance: He referenced recent indications from the current Sports Minister, Aminul Haque, suggesting a willingness to be flexible and tolerant regarding the legal hurdles facing these players to pave the way for their return to sports.
Broader BCB Roadmap and Restructuring
In addition to the player status, Tamim utilized the briefing to outline a comprehensive roadmap for the BCB’s future:
Board Elections: The election process for a new board of directors is scheduled to begin at a meeting on 3 May 2026. The vote is expected within 30 to 45 days, concluding shortly before the ad-hoc committee’s tenure ends. Tamim confirmed his intention to contest the upcoming election.
Domestic Restructuring: The board will launch a Second XI tournament to run parallel to the first-class National Cricket League (NCL). This move aims to expand the domestic pool to roughly 200 players and create a sustainable pathway to the national side.
Infrastructure & Fan Experience: Tamim highlighted ongoing initiatives to improve stadium facilities and match-day experiences for fans, whom he described as the board’s “biggest stakeholders.”
As of April 2026, the path back to the national side for the veteran captains remains twofold: the resolution of legal cases initiated during the 2024 transition and a subsequent assessment of form and fitness by the national selection panel.