Tamim Iqbal will not contest in the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election, scheduled for 6 October. The former national captain has voluntarily withdrawn his nomination, stepping away from the race to become a BCB director.
On Wednesday, 1 October, Tamim arrived at the BCB headquarters with all the required documents. Although his nomination was cleared following final scrutiny, he later chose to withdraw it of his own accord.
Tamim’s decision comes amid growing controversy over the exclusion of 15 clubs from the BCB’s councillor list. He had earlier voiced his dissatisfaction publicly, accusing the government of interference in the election process. In a recent press conference, he raised concerns about the fairness of the proceedings and expressed disappointment that certain clubs were being sidelined.
Initially left out of the preliminary voter list, the 15 clubs were eventually included in the final list. However, a court has since issued an injunction preventing these clubs from participating, following a writ petition by former BCB president Faruq Ahmed. The petition challenged the eligibility of the clubs, which had recently been promoted from the third division under a controversial selection process.
As a result, councillors from Exume Cricketers, Dhaka Cricket Academy, Mohammad Cricket Club, Nawabganj Cricket Coaching Academy, Purbachal Sporting Club, Gulshan Cricket Club, Old Dhaka Cricketers, Vikings Cricket Academy, Banani Cricket Club, Nakhalpara Cricketers, Mohakhali Cricket Academy, Dhanmondi Cricket Club, Pacific Cricket Club, Sapphire Sporting Club and Alpha Sporting Club have been barred from voting in the election.
The court’s ruling has caused significant discontent among organisers linked to the excluded clubs. Reports suggest that in protest, candidates from at least 10 to 12 clubs are planning to withdraw their nominations.
Tamim’s withdrawal is seen as a major development in an already tense election process, with legal challenges and allegations of interference casting a shadow over the BCB’s upcoming vote.
