Former Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to prioritise dialogue and long-term thinking amid the growing uncertainty surrounding the national team’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India from February 7. In a measured yet firm stance, Tamim hinted that several current issues could be resolved if all stakeholders, including the BCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), engage in constructive dialogue.
Tamim cautioned the BCB against making emotionally driven decisions under public pressure, stressing that such calls could have lasting consequences for Bangladesh cricket over the next decade. His remarks come at a time when Bangladesh have expressed reluctance to travel to India for the global event, citing security concerns and exploring the possibility of playing their matches in co-host Sri Lanka instead.
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The tension escalated after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from his IPL contract with Kolkata Knight Riders at the BCCI’s instructions. While no official reason was provided, the development coincided with reports of unrest in Dhaka, adding a political and diplomatic layer to the cricketing dispute.
“The situation is quite sensitive, and it’s not easy to comment impulsively,” Tamim Iqbal was quoted as saying. “But many problems can often be resolved through dialogue if all parties sit together. Decisions must be taken after considering where Bangladesh stands in world cricket and what the future of the game in the country looks like.”
Meanwhile, Bangladesh sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul has adopted a hard-line approach, invoking national sentiment while backing a potential venue shift. Although the BCB has publicly echoed this stance, reports suggest that not all board members are aligned with the government’s view.
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Tamim also underlined the importance of the BCB’s autonomy. While acknowledging the government’s influence, he stressed that an independent cricket board must retain the authority to make decisions that safeguard the sport’s long-term growth rather than short-term optics.
