Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal attended the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) elections at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla Stadium on Thursday, but did not contest for any position, citing his likely participation in next month’s Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections as the reason.
“The reason I didn’t contest, you already know. I hope you can understand,” Tamim told the media, adding that he had not witnessed a CWAB election in person during his 15–16 years of cricket. “Today, seeing it for the first time, I am very happy. There are many senior cricketers here whom I’m meeting for the first time. It feels like a beautiful carnival.”
Tamim expressed satisfaction at the organisation of the election, noting that the interim committee under Selim Shahed had successfully overseen the process. He stressed that the main goal was to form a committee that would have two years to carry out systematic reforms and correct past mistakes. “There are many things here that could be questioned, could have been done differently. Our main intention was to hold the election and form the committee. So far, it feels very good,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of focusing on current players, who form the core of CWAB’s work. “95 per cent of CWAB’s work is focused on current cricketers. If there are payment or facility issues, these concern current players. If a current player becomes president or joins the committee, that would be best. No one understands their hardships, facilities, and rights better than themselves,” he said.
At the same time, Tamim acknowledged the contributions of former players, stating that their role remains significant. However, he added that if the BCB ensures players’ welfare and proper facilities, CWAB’s work should ideally be minimal. “If the board looks after players properly and ensures all payments and facilities, then CWAB has no reason to complain. Whatever is their right, whatever they deserve, should be provided. I hope there won’t be any grievances from CWAB,” he said.
The CWAB elections were contested only for the president’s post, with former player and match referee Selim Shahed and current cricketer Mohammad Mithun in the running. The remaining ten positions were uncontested.
