Tamim Iqbal is expected to feature in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) if defending champions Fortune Barishal confirm their participation, according to team owner Mizanur Rahman.
The BPL is scheduled to begin in mid-December, with at least five teams set to take part. However, Fortune Barishal have requested that the tournament be postponed, citing a lack of preparation time.
Amid speculation that Barishal may not take part, Mizanur clarified the team’s position and also addressed Tamim’s potential involvement. “I do not think there is any issue with Tamim playing in the BPL,” he told Cricbuzz. “I believe he was speaking generally about cricket when he mentioned stepping back. If the BPL goes ahead, I will ask him to play, and I think he will if Barishal take part.”
Tamim recently withdrew his candidacy from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections, and following the vote, he announced a boycott of domestic cricket alongside a large group of clubs. Despite that, Mizanur remains confident the veteran opener will return to action in Barishal colours.
Barishal’s request to delay the BPL is rooted in the short turnaround time before the tournament. “Even if we have players, we need time to arrange funding and make other preparations. Even if we worked around the clock, it would be difficult in just one or one and a half months,” Mizanur said.
He also expressed doubts about whether experienced teams would be willing to take part under such tight conditions. “I do not think any strong team would want to play with so little time, and you can ask Rangpur about that. Maybe only new or inexperienced teams will be ready.”
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has not yet responded to Barishal’s request, but Mizanur has made it clear that both the team and Tamim are ready to be involved, provided the timing allows for proper preparation.
