Newly appointed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed said that veteran batter Tamim Iqbal needs to decide on his cricketing future soon. He also mentioned during the time of his appointment that he wishes to see the veteran batter back in national colours, but also added that he could offer an off-field role in case he decides to retire as well.
Tamim last played in the 2023 ODI World Cup, after he decided to reverse his retirement upon intervention by then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former captain Mashrafe Mortaza as well. However, his return to the team did not help since he withdrew himself from selection for the World Cup as well. A reported tussle with another veteran Shakib Al Hasan over a potential batting position change messed things up entirely.
“Tamim needs to decide whether he wants to continue as a player or he wants to take up a different role. He has done so much for Bangladesh cricket, and it would be wonderful to get him involved in the BCB. If he decides to retire, then as the head of the Board, I would like to see him in a new role so that he can give it back to the game. With his vast experience, Tamim will be able to help our cricket grow,” Faruque Ahmed said in an interview with Sportstar before the Test series against India.
“Tamim had come to meet me yesterday, and we discussed with all the players about the road ahead in terms of domestic cricket. I go back a long way with all these players, and since most of them made their international debut during my tenure as the chairman of the selection committee, I’m close to all of them. So, it was a fruitful discussion. I have told Tamim that he is in that phase of life where he needs to make a decision about his future. If he is fit, then why not!” he further added.
However, Tamim Iqbal had also shared earlier this year that for his potential return to the Bangladesh cricket team, ‘a lot has to go right’. The
veteran is likely to be a part of the broadcast team covering the upcoming Test series between India and Bangladesh as well. Faruque Ahmed also spoke about BCB’s relationship with the BCCI as well.
“I had a fruitful discussion with the officials of the BCCI during the ACC meeting in Kuala Lumpur recently and secretary Jay Shah invited me for the first Test in Chennai. Even though I have some prior commitments, I am trying to see if I can visit Chennai for a couple of days to watch the game and also meet the BCCI officials,” Ahmed said.
“I spoke to Shah and he has assured me of providing the highest security to the team. Since it’s a bilateral series, it’s also easier for the Boards to beef up security as compared to a world event where multiple teams are involved. So, the BCCI has given us the assurance, and at this point in time, we are happy with the conversations we had with the Board officials. The team is flying out to Chennai in a couple of days and we are not planning to send any additional security cover from our end,” Faruque Ahmed concluded.
