Tamim Iqbal Criticizes BCB: "Everything but Cricket is Happening at the Board"

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, currently in Lahore to handpick bats for his brand 'CA Bangladesh,' has voiced strong criticism of the current state of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). In an exclusive conversation with Cricket97, Tamim expressed deep concern about the direction the board is heading.

“Everything except cricket is happening at the Bangladesh Cricket Board,” said the veteran opener, alluding to the growing disconnection between the board’s actions and the game's development.

His remarks come at a time of major upheaval at the BCB. The Faruk Ahmed era officially ended this week after the National Sports Council (NSC) dismissed him from his director position. Former national captain and Bangladesh’s first Test centurion, Aminul Islam Bulbul, is set to take over as the new BCB President.

Reflecting on the leadership shuffle, Tamim urged both the outgoing and incoming board members to focus on cricket above all else.

“It’s time for everyone—those who were part of the board and those who are coming in—to accept that we are struggling,” Tamim said. “They must think about cricket. Our popularity is declining.”

He pointed to a telling sign of that decline: only four journalists traveled to cover Bangladesh’s ongoing series in Pakistan.

“Even during games against Ireland, many media personnel show up. But here in Lahore, only four of you have come. That says everything about where the public interest in cricket stands now,” Tamim noted.

His comments add to the growing chorus of concerns from players and stakeholders who fear that administrative turmoil and political interference are overshadowing the core mission of growing the game in Bangladesh.