"Tamim needs to decide whether he wants to continue as a player or he wants to take up a different role" - BCB President on the veteran's future
Newly appointed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed recently stated that veteran batter Tamim Iqbal needs to decide on his cricketing future soon. The president mentioned during the time of his appointment that he wishes to see Tamim back in national colors, but added to his original statement by offering an off-field role in case he decides to retire.
Tamim was last seen in national colors during the build-up to the 2023 ODI World Cup, after he decided to reverse his retirement upon intervention by then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former captain Mashrafe Mortaza. However, his return to the team did not pan out as hoped since he withdrew himself from selection for the World Cup.
A reported tussle with fellow veteran Shakib Al Hasan over a potential batting position change stirred things up entirely. Tamim had announced his retirement from T20Is in 2022 itself, and his last cricketing appearance came during the Dhaka Premier League in May.
Faruque Ahmed reiterated that if Tamim is fit enough, he should consider a return to the national team.
"Tamim needs to decide whether he wants to continue as a player or he wants to take up a different role. He has done so much for Bangladesh cricket, and it would be wonderful to get him involved in the BCB. If he decides to retire, then as the head of the Board, I would like to see him in a new role so that he can give it back to the game. With his vast experience, Tamim will be able to help our cricket grow," Faruque Ahmed said in an interview with Sportstar ahead of the Test series against India.
The BCB president further added that he had a talk with Tamim Iqbal regarding the future of Bangladesh cricket as well as his career.
"Tamim had come to meet me yesterday, and we discussed with all the players about the road ahead in terms of domestic cricket. I go back a long way with all these players, and since most of them made their international debut during my tenure as the chairman of the selection committee, I’m close to all of them. So, it was a fruitful discussion. I have told Tamim that he is in that phase of life where he needs to make a decision about his future. If he is fit, then why not!" he added.
Tamim Iqbal had mentioned earlier this year that for his potential return to the Bangladesh cricket team, 'a lot has to go right'. The veteran is expected to be a part of the broadcast team covering the upcoming Test series between India and Bangladesh.
"Jay Shah invited me for the first Test in Chennai" - BCB President Faruque Ahmed
Faruque Ahmed also spoke about BCB's relationship with the BCCI, especially with the two-match series coming up. While he could not assure of his presence for the series opener in Chennai, he mentioned that he did receive an invite from the BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
"I had a fruitful discussion with the officials of the BCCI during the ACC meeting in Kuala Lumpur recently and secretary Jay Shah invited me for the first Test in Chennai. Even though I have some prior commitments, I am trying to see if I can visit Chennai for a couple of days to watch the game and also meet the BCCI officials," Ahmed said.
Although there are slight concerns regarding protests over violence against Hindus in Bangladesh hampering proceedings during the second Test in Kanpur, the BCCI are expected to tackle the issue with extra security personnel rather than shifting the venue.
Faruque Ahmed confirmed the same while stating that the Bangladesh team are not coming with any additional security cover.
"I spoke to Shah and he has assured me of providing the highest security to the team. Since it’s a bilateral series, it’s also easier for the Boards to beef up security as compared to a world event where multiple teams are involved. So, the BCCI has given us the assurance, and at this point in time, we are happy with the conversations we had with the Board officials. The team is flying out to Chennai in a couple of days and we are not planning to send any additional security cover from our end," he concluded.
The first Test between India and Bangladesh is scheduled to begin from September 19 onwards.