Bangladesh cricketers slam BCB director for remark on Tamim Iqbal

A controversial social media remark by a senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official labelling former national captain Tamim Iqbal as “an Indian agent” has triggered widespread outrage across Bangladesh’s cricketing fraternity, with current and former players demanding accountability and a public apology.

The remark was made by M Nazmul Islam, chairman of the BCB’s finance committee , in a Facebook post following Tamim’s recent comments on Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup in India. Tamim had urged the board to take a calm, rational approach and not let emotions dictate decisions amid ongoing tensions related to player releases and security concerns.

Nazmul’s post, which accused Tamim of acting as an “Indian agent,” drew immediate condemnation. Several prominent Bangladesh players, including Taskin Ahmed, Mominul Haque and Taijul Islam, publicly criticised the comment, calling it disrespectful and damaging to the country’s cricket culture.

The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) also issued a strongly worded statement, expressing shock and anger over the incident. The players’ body termed the comment “utterly condemnable,” stressing that such remarks from a board official insult not just Tamim but the entire cricketing community.

“Tamim Iqbal served Bangladesh cricket for 16 years and is the most successful opener in the country’s history. A statement like this from a responsible board director is unacceptable and raises serious questions about the conduct and ethics of BCB officials,” CWAB said.

Tamim, now 36, represented Bangladesh in 70 Tests, 243 ODIs and 78 T20 Internationals, playing a key role in the team’s rise on the international stage.

CWAB confirmed that it has submitted a formal protest letter to the BCB president, demanding a public apology from Nazmul and strict action to ensure accountability.

Players echoed similar sentiments. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed said such remarks were harmful and served no purpose in the betterment of Bangladesh cricket. Former Test captain Mominul Haque went further, calling the comment humiliating and lacking basic decorum.

The controversy comes amid strained relations between the BCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), after Bangladesh sought to move their T20 World Cup matches out of India following issues surrounding Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL release.

As pressure mounts, the spotlight is now firmly on the BCB leadership to address the issue swiftly and restore trust within the cricketing community.