Tamim Iqbal has deflected all credit for Bangladesh’s historic series victory over Pakistan, insisting the achievement belongs entirely to the coaches, players and support staff, while also asserting that the upcoming BCB election will be conducted without any interference from the board.
Speaking to reporters in Mirpur, Tamim was unequivocal about his role in the team’s success. “There is no contribution from me here. I have no input on the team and I do not concern myself with it. Everyone on the field deserves the credit, the coaches, the support staff, the players, the cricket operations manager. This is their success and they should receive the recognition.”
Bangladesh defeated Pakistan on home soil for the first time in Test cricket, a result that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The Tigers have since climbed into the top five of the ICC World Test Championship standings and broken into the top seven of the Test rankings for the first time in their history.
On the election front, Tamim was equally firm. The BCB’s most recent election had been mired in controversy, with Tamim himself withdrawing midway through the process. The board formed from that election did not last long, and Tamim’s ad hoc committee has since organised a fresh vote. He is determined this time will be different.
“I have removed myself completely from the process. Everything is in the hands of the election commission. I am not signing any letters or processing any councillorship returns. Of 192 expected councillors, 186 have likely submitted. A few late submissions have arrived and those decisions have been left entirely to the election commission. The board president, directors and chief executive will have no role whatsoever. You will not find a single instance of lobbying or interference from this cricket board. Everyone has been given a clear message that this election must be as fair as possible.”
Tamim confirmed he would be contesting as a club category candidate and had submitted his nomination on the day. When asked whether he would stand on a panel, he said no such plans existed. “It will be an open election. Everyone will campaign in their own way. I would like to propose that all 76 clubs be brought together in one event where candidates can make their case, but that depends on whether others agree.”
He also outlined his biggest priority should he be elected to the board. Tamim said the high performance unit would receive the most attention and investment, with Mohammad Salauddin already appointed as its head. “The gap between the Under-19 setup and the national team is something we have not been able to bridge. Finding out why is important. We need to rebuild the HP programme completely from scratch. I will hold a separate press conference on this when the plans are more concrete.”
