BCB Director Calls Tamim Iqbal an “Indian Agent”

At a time when intense debate is ongoing over Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India to play the World Cup, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam has reignited controversy by labeling former national captain and one of the country’s most successful openers, Tamim Iqbal, as an “Indian agent.” His comment, posted on his personal Facebook page, has sparked severe criticism across the cricketing community.

On Thursday, responding to questions from the media, Tamim Iqbal made several comments regarding the decision not to travel to India for the World Cup. Sharing a photo card containing one of those comments on Facebook, BCB Finance Committee Chairman Nazmul Islam wrote, “This time, the people of Bengal have witnessed the emergence of yet another proven Indian agent with their own eyes.”

The post remained on his Facebook page for a considerable period. Later, amid widespread backlash on social media, he deleted it sometime late at night.

Since last Saturday, tensions have been escalating in the cricketing circles of Bangladesh and India surrounding two issues: the withdrawal of Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the subsequent decision not to send the Bangladesh team to India for next month’s World Cup. Amid this ongoing crisis, Tamim presented his position during the trophy and jersey unveiling ceremony of the Zia Inter-University Cricket Tournament at City Club Ground in Mirpur.

At the event, Tamim was asked what decision he would have taken if he were part of the board. In response, he said he would have made a decision keeping the future in mind.

“Removing Mustafizur from the IPL is certainly unfortunate. There is no doubt about that.”

He further said, “If I were on the board, my decision would be based on thinking about the country’s future and everything else. It is complicated to make a sudden comment. But one thing must be kept in mind—many issues can often be resolved through discussion. What Bangladesh’s position is in world cricket, what Bangladesh’s future could be—considering all these factors, I would make my decision.”

For some time now, there have been rumors that the BCB took the hardline decision of not wanting to go to India following government instructions. According to various media reports citing unnamed board officials, they initially did not plan to take such a strict stance; government intervention allegedly forced them into it.

Tamim’s comments also clearly hinted at that implication.

“We consider the Bangladesh Cricket Board an independent body. Of course, the government is a major stakeholder and discussions with the government are necessary. But since they are an independent body, they should also have some decisions of their own. And if they believe a decision is right, they should take it. Because there will always be differing public opinions. If you consider everything that way, you won’t be able to run such a big institution,” Tamim said.

He added, “What impact today’s decision will have 10 years from now—these things must be considered. Decisions should be made based on what is best for the country’s cricket and cricketers.”

Alongside emotion, Tamim also spoke about cricketing realities.

“Like everyone else, Bangladesh cricket’s interest comes first for me. But when you think about your future, everything… if you look at it, 90–95 percent of our revenue comes from the ICC. Considering everything, the decision that will support Bangladesh cricket should be taken.”

It was this photo card containing Tamim’s statements that BCB director Nazmul Islam shared before making the controversial comment.

Notably, on October 6, Nazmul Islam was elected as a councilor from the club category representing Talent Hunt Cricket Academy with 37 votes in the BCB elections. The following day, he was appointed Chairman of the Finance Committee during a board meeting.

That election had also sparked widespread questions and controversy at the time. Allegations repeatedly surfaced that the then sports adviser exerted influence over the election process. Citing “election fixing,” Tamim Iqbal withdrew his nomination. On the same allegation, a total of 21 candidates withdrew before the election. There were even claims that the election of nine directors had been confirmed before voting took place.