Tamim Iqbal Expresses Concern Over Declining Interest in Bangladesh Cricket: Urges BCB to Refocus on the Game

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has expressed deep concern over the waning public and media interest in Bangladesh cricket, using the current Pakistan tour as a prime example. Speaking to Cricket97 in Lahore, Tamim was surprised to see only four Bangladeshi journalists covering the series.

“The fact that only four journalists have come to cover a series in Pakistan says it all,” Tamim remarked. “Whether it's Ireland, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, or Australia — the number stays the same. I’ve never seen this before. What message does that send? It tells us that cricket is losing its appeal.”

Tamim didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), calling for a shift in priorities from politics and bureaucracy back to the game itself.

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board is supposed to be a board for cricket. But right now, I see everything but cricket,” he said. “We hear about who will come, who will go, who will be president, who will not, who’s voting — these are side issues. The real issue, cricket itself, is being ignored.”

Tamim urged both the outgoing and incoming board officials to accept the current struggles and take action.

“I have only one request: those who are in charge, and those who will come in, please think about cricket,” he said. “Cricket has lost its charm. We are struggling in every aspect of the game. This reality needs to be acknowledged, and the focus must shift to how we can turn things around.”

His comments come amid a major administrative shake-up at the BCB, with former captain Aminul Islam Bulbul expected to take over the presidency following the removal of Faruk Ahmed.

Tamim’s candid remarks have added fuel to the national conversation about the future of cricket in Bangladesh, as fans and stakeholders alike demand accountability and vision from the sport’s governing body.