The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election has descended into fresh controversy, with Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud accusing former captain Tamim Iqbal and his allies of attempting to “fix” the polls and challenging him to a face-to-face meeting.
Tensions around the 6 October election have escalated amid allegations of threats to candidates, disputes over councillors’ legitimacy, and claims of political interference.
Speaking to Jamuna Television on 1 October, Asif Mahmud dismissed Tamim’s criticism that “fixing in the BCB election” should be stopped before addressing fixing on the field.
Calling Tamim’s words “terribly untrue,” the adviser countered: “Tamim and his associates attempted to manipulate the election but were unsuccessful. Calls were made from their side to presidents and secretaries, DCs were threatened—many things were done. They attempted election fixing, but it did not succeed.”
He added: “I am prepared to sit with Tamim Iqbal face to face if needed, with all the documents.”
In a striking claim, Asif alleged that complaints against the BCB had even been sent abroad. “Someone phoned Virat Kohli to complain, and he shared it with Gautam Gambhir and others. Such complaints should never be made; it is shameful for the country,” he said.
The adviser also pushed back against comparisons with former BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon, arguing that in the past political figures dominated the councillor list. “We are now bringing in sports organisers,” he insisted.
Sixteen candidates, including Tamim, have already withdrawn from the race, citing government interference. Asif rejected this, saying councillor eligibility was determined by the NSC constitution and enforced by the court: “A group is active in trying to sabotage the election.”
