Decisions Should Prioritize the Future of Bangladesh Cricket: Tamim on World Cup Venue Issue

Former national captain Tamim Iqbal has urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to prioritize the long-term interests and future of the country's cricket while navigating the ongoing tensions with the ICC over T20 World Cup venues.

Speaking at a trophy and jersey unveiling ceremony for the Zia Inter-University Cricket Tournament at City Club on Thursday, Tamim advised against making impulsive decisions or publicizing internal disputes.

Referring to the BCB's push to move Bangladesh's matches from India to a neutral venue like Sri Lanka—sparked by the fallout from Mustafizur Rahman’s exclusion from the IPL—Tamim emphasized the need for a unified stance. He cautioned that conflicting statements from various board directors are creating unnecessary uncertainty. "Decisions must be made internally and presented as a final verdict after consulting with the relevant government authorities," he noted.

Regarding the sudden withdrawal of Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad, Tamim expressed deep regret, calling the incident "undoubtedly unfortunate." As the board continues its correspondence with the ICC regarding a 'hybrid model' for the upcoming tournament, Tamim stressed that the stability and reputation of Bangladesh cricket should remain the paramount concern in any diplomatic negotiation.