Tamim Iqbal, the head of Bangladesh Cricket Board’s recently appointed ad hoc committee, said the immediate priority for the interim set-up will be to repair the sport’s tarnished image. Speaking to reporters after arriving at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, Tamim addressed the challenges facing the board in the wake of a transition that followed the dissolution of the Aminul Islam-led administration.
Transition after probe and committee formation
Tamim reached the venue in the afternoon after the NSC dissolved the board that was led by Aminul Islam. The move came after an investigation concluded that Tamim was guilty of corruption in the previous election, which had ultimately paved his way to becoming BCB chief.
After a meeting with members of the 11-person ad hoc committee, Tamim stressed that restoring public confidence in cricket must be handled collectively.
- Tamim said the damage to cricket’s reputation over the past one and a half years needs to be corrected through collective effort.
- He acknowledged that there may be criticism, regardless of how well the new setup performs.
- He added that no one within the committee wants cricket to remain at its present low point.
“Players and stakeholders must be respected”
In his remarks, Tamim said cricket should once again be a source of pride, and that those who work for—or have worked for—the BCB should be able to do so with confidence. He indicated that this pride has not been fully reflected due to the events of the last 18 months.
He also outlined the committee’s approach to governance and accountability, saying the focus will be on respecting players and ensuring all stakeholders are treated with regard.
- Tamim said players must be respected, along with every stakeholder connected to the game.
- He stated the committee’s plan is to improve matters “not just in words,” but through actions.
- He said the team may make mistakes, but the key objective is to learn and keep moving forward.
Elections within 90 days and board oversight
The NSC has assigned the ad hoc committee the task of conducting elections within the next 90 days. Tamim said the responsibility is to stage a free and fair vote within three months, and that the committee will carry out the duty with honesty and as quickly as possible.
On whether he will take part in the next election, Tamim said the decision is not fixed and could depend on circumstances.
- He said the committee has been brought in to hold a free and fair election within three months.
- Tamim indicated he is open to participating, but said he may choose to take part, someone else may, or others may decide not to enter.
- He said that once a free and fair election is held, he would request that everyone interested participates.
- He said the election will be a board election that includes current board members, players, and organisers.
- Tamim added that the committee aims to create an atmosphere where all eligible groups can take part in the process.
Beyond the election timeline, Tamim said the committee will also oversee the board’s day-to-day functioning. He referenced ongoing matters related to the World Cup, adding that the committee will handle whatever is necessary across all relevant areas.
- The committee will manage day-to-day board activities.
- Tamim said World Cup-related issues will be considered, and necessary steps will be taken regarding them.
ICC representation and upcoming BCB meeting
Ad hoc member Tanzil Chowdhury, who will serve as the board’s spokesperson during the interim period, said Tamim will represent Bangladesh at the next ICC meeting.
Tanzil explained that ICC and ACC participation has traditionally involved the president, and that the ad hoc committee has nominated Tamim for the role. He added that since the committee is not an elected board, the ICC has advised that the CEO attend in an ex-officio capacity, and that this has been approved as well.
- Tanzil said Tamim will represent Bangladesh at the next ICC meeting.
- He noted that the president typically attends such meetings by tradition and design.
- He said the ICC has guided the ad hoc committee that the CEO should be present as an ex-officio figure, and that arrangement was approved.
The BCB is scheduled to hold a board meeting on April 7.
