Bangladesh pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib says players will decide on future Indian Premier League participation year by year, stressing that any call on whether to register will come after discussions with agents and relevant authorities rather than as a reaction to recent controversy.
The Rajshahi Warriors fast bowler, who has taken five wickets in four matches as his side have won three of their opening four games, was asked whether events surrounding Bangladeshi players and the IPL could influence future decisions.
“As players, we do not think politically,” Sakib said. “We want to play the IPL, so we put our names forward. In future years, after speaking with agents or people from the country, we will decide whether to register or not.”
Sakib made it clear there is no immediate decision to withdraw from the IPL process, nor any blanket reluctance among players. Instead, he framed the issue as a professional choice that will depend on circumstances at the time.
He also suggested that players are often removed from squads or overlooked for reasons that are not always made clear. “Why someone was removed or not retained, we do not really know,” he said. “It could be a political issue, but it is better if politics does not come into cricket.”
For now, Sakib’s focus remains firmly on the Bangladesh Premier League, where Rajshahi have made a strong start and he has played a key role with the ball. He believes performing consistently at home is ultimately the best way to keep overseas opportunities alive.
While uncertainty remains around how future IPL auctions or selections might unfold for Bangladeshi players, Sakib indicated there is no loss of appetite for the league itself. “As a player, the desire to play the IPL is always there,” he said, adding that decisions will be taken “when the time comes”.
