Dhaka, Jan 9 (PTI) – Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to avoid being guided by public sentiment when deciding the national team’s participation in next month’s T20 World Cup in India, warning that such decisions could have repercussions ten years down the line.
Bangladesh have expressed reluctance to tour India for the event starting February 7 and are seeking to shift their matches to co-host Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. The controversy escalated after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders on the BCCI’s instructions amid recent attacks on Hindus in India.
“The situation is critical, and making sudden public statements is difficult. Many issues can often be resolved through dialogue if all parties come together,” Tamim said in an interview with Cricbuzz.
He emphasized the importance of considering Bangladesh cricket’s long-term future and maintaining the independence of the BCB in decision-making. “If the board believes a decision is right, it should take it. Public opinion will always vary. Decisions based purely on emotion cannot guide a large organization,” he said.
Tamim also criticized the frequent public statements from the BCB and the government, which he said created unnecessary uncertainty. “Once a final decision is made after internal discussions, it should be communicated publicly. Announcing every step leads to confusion and weakens the credibility of the board,” he added.
The 36-year-old, who has played 70 Tests, 243 ODIs, and 78 T20Is, concluded that Bangladesh cricket’s long-term interests and the welfare of its players should be prioritized over short-term considerations.
Category: Breaking News
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