Tamim Iqbal took on an unusual role at a press conference on Friday, sitting among journalists and listening attentively as former national teammates Mahmudullah Riyad and Mohammad Ashraful were unveiled as part of Bangladesh’s squad for the World Championship of Legends (WCL).
Bangladesh are set to participate in the WCL for the first time, and the event was held to introduce the players who will feature in the tournament. Tamim, now serving as president of the BCB’s ad hoc committee following the dissolution of the Aminul Islam Bulbul-led board, attended in a formal capacity. He warmly embraced Mahmudullah and exchanged greetings with Ashraful before taking his seat among the assembled media.
Mahmudullah spoke with optimism about Bangladesh’s prospects. “If we think about the batting order, we will do whatever is required for the team,” he said. “As Ashraful mentioned, we scored four centuries in last year’s DBSL. You can understand how competitive this cricket is. We are preparing accordingly.”
Bangladesh Champions co-owner Shanian Taneem confirmed the squad’s core names and addressed the elephant in the room, the absence of Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, both of whom are facing legal complications tied to their political identities.
“We know Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza as cricketers, not as politicians,” Taneem said. “If they are able to play, our doors will always be open for them. But we cannot go beyond the law.”
As Mahmudullah and Ashraful have both retired from international cricket, there are no restrictions on their participation. Tamim has also retired internationally, though his involvement in the WCL remains uncertain given his administrative role. Mushfiqur Rahim, who continues to play Test cricket despite retiring from white-ball internationals, is another notable name whose participation is yet to be confirmed.
The WCL has been held twice previously, both times in England. India won the inaugural edition in 2024, while South Africa claimed the title in 2025, with Pakistan finishing runners-up on both occasions. Bangladesh’s debut in the competition marks a new chapter for the country’s cricketing legends.
