Tamim Iqbal has started a new step to honour former captains of Bangladesh. The president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s ad hoc committee announced the captains’ card at a programme in Mirpur on Thursday.
The board wants to give more respect to former players. Tamim said the idea came from talks inside the committee.
“I would like to thank every captain who is present here today. I tried to contact everyone personally. Maybe I could not reach one or two, but I have spoken to most of them,” he said.
He said respect is the most important thing after retirement.
“When cricketers retire, they only expect one thing. That is respect. That is the most important thing. The people who are here today are the pillars of Bangladesh cricket. We are enjoying the benefits now, but they played when there were no facilities and no money. Cricket in this country started because of their passion.”
Tamim said the card is not big compared to their work, but it is a start.
“This captains’ card is not something big compared to what they have given to cricket. But this is a start. Many of us have felt at times that we might not be recognised on the field. That is painful. It should not happen.”
He said former captains should not face basic problems. “A Bangladesh captain should not have to make a phone call to get a ticket. As long as we are here, this will not happen. A captain should not stand in line for tickets.”
The card will act as a lifetime identity. It will allow entry to all matches in Bangladesh. This includes ICC and ACC events, home series, the Bangladesh Premier League, and domestic cricket.
“From today, this card is your identity for life. This is your pass for all matches in Bangladesh. The tickets you used to receive will still be given, but for your family. Your contribution cannot be measured by a ticket.”
Tamim also spoke about access and parking at stadiums. “I have seen captains struggle at the gates and walk long distances after parking outside. This cannot happen. Inside Mirpur, you are the biggest VVIPs. You will get that priority.”
He said Mashrafe Mortaza and Shakib Al Hasan could not attend. Faruk Ahmed was busy and Khaled Mashud is outside the country.
Tamim also tried to contact Aminul Islam Bulbul but could not reach him.
“I called Bulbul bhai and sent him a message. Then I realized that I am also on the block list,” he said.
Bulbul is a former Bangladesh captain and the country’s first Test centurion. He was also part of the previous board setup.
Tamim ended by wishing the team well for the next match. He said his focus is on cricket.
The captains’ card is a step to recognise the role of past captains in building Bangladesh cricket.
