"Eyeing BPL Return, Urges More Retentions for Stronger Brand Value" — Candid Tamim Iqbal

Former Bangladesh captain and one of the most successful openers in the country’s cricket history, Tamim Iqbal, spoke to Cricket97's reporter Billal Hossain Shimul. He talked about his health, return to cricket, involvement with CA Sports, ideas to revamp the BPL, thoughts on the Bangladesh team, and more. The following is the full interview as published on the Cricket97 digital platform.

Cricket97: You went to Singapore for a second round of medical consultation. How are you doing now?

Tamim Iqbal: I'm doing well, Alhamdulillah. Got a good report from the doctor. Overall, Alhamdulillah, I’m fine.

Cricket97: Earlier, we heard that you would return to the field as per your doctor’s advice. When are you planning to make a comeback?

Tamim Iqbal:In shaa Allah, I’ll try to play in the BPL. I’ve started training, doing gym activities at home. It might take a bit more time before I can start batting again. But yes, the goal is to play in the BPL.

Cricket97:You played in the NCL T20 last year. This year’s edition is starting in mid-September...

Tamim Iqbal:Yes, there’s a chance I might play. Even if I don't play the full tournament, I’ll try to play 2 or 3 matches.

Cricket97:You’ve had a long-standing relationship with CA Sports. Where do you see CA Sports in Bangladesh?

Tamim Iqbal:Look, I believe CA Sports is already a well-established company. Even before I got involved, it was already established. What I aim to do is ensure that the customers receive good products that match the value they’re paying for. That’s my primary goal.

Cricket97: Prantik Nawrose Nabil, a member of the U-19 World Cup winning squad, had to quit cricket due to illness and is now working with CA Sports Bangladesh under your umbrella. Could you talk about that?

Tamim Iqbal: I felt that he could do well in this field, and that’s why I brought him in. And yes, he’s doing well.

Cricket97: How many more seasons do you plan to play domestic cricket?

Tamim Iqbal: That’s hard to say, brother. Let me try this year and see how I feel. Then I’ll decide.

Cricket97:You did commentary during the India series and had a spirited exchange with Ravi Shastri. Your commentary was praised by many. Do you see yourself taking up commentary as a post-career path?

Tamim Iqbal: I’m not sure. I haven’t thought much about taking commentary as a full-time career. You might see me doing it again in the future. If I feel it’s something I can pursue professionally, I’ll certainly consider it. But as I’ve said before, commentary isn’t easy. Maybe people liked it because it was my first time. But if you hear me repeatedly, it might not feel the same. If I want to pursue it seriously, I have to take it seriously.

Cricket97: You recently visited the BCB and discussed BPL with President Aminul Islam Bulbul. What input did you provide?

Tamim Iqbal: I’ll let them speak on that. But what I thought would help, I shared with them. One thing I can say is retention. In almost every successful T20 league, 7, 8, or 10 players are retained. In the IPL, even entire squads can be retained before mega auctions. PSL allows 8. But I don’t know why we allow only 2 or 3. The problem with that is teams can’t build brand value. Players keep changing teams. One day I’m with one team, next day another. That doesn't help a franchise grow its brand, and if franchises don’t grow, neither will the BPL. So I believe we should allow at least 7 to 8 retentions—whether the owner is new or old.

If you remember, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended for 2 years in the IPL. But they didn’t redo the whole auction. The two replacement teams picked players through a draft. So I believe the BPL should also allow 7–8 retentions, minimum.

Cricket97: If you ever get to be in charge of BPL, what would you like to change? There’s always some criticism.

Tamim Iqbal: Yes, there was criticism. Some things were definitely not done well. But the media also needs to be more positive. BPL often only makes headlines for criticism. I admit there are reasons for that. But I believe the media can play a big role. If you highlight the positives more, things will improve. As for BCB, there are many things that need fixing. If those are addressed, the criticisms will naturally decrease.

Cricket97: Dr. Abdun Noor Tushar posted a photo with you and said he wishes to see you as BCB President in the future. Any thoughts?

Tamim Iqbal: (Smiles) That’s his opinion. I’m grateful if he thinks that way. But I’m not thinking about that at all right now.

Cricket97: Bangladesh recently won T20I series against Sri Lanka (away) and Pakistan (home). You even watched one match from the stands. With the Asia Cup and World Cup ahead, how hopeful are you about this team?

Tamim Iqbal: Definitely, this team is filled with exciting cricketers. They will succeed, and they will also fail. I believe this team deserves everyone’s support and patience. Most of the players are young—they will fail. But if we keep backing them properly and they keep doing their work, they’ll succeed.

Cricket97:Last question—do you think Taijul Islam is really an underrated cricketer?

Tamim Iqbal:Yes, I think he is an underrated cricketer.