Tamim Iqbal laments lost World Cup opportunity for senior Bangladesh squad
By Nawaz Gohar ; Tamim Iqbal, head of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) ad-hoc committee, has criticized the previous board administration for its poor handling of matters related to the T20 World Cup.
In a recent interview with Indian media, the former captain disclosed that he was among the first to raise concerns when the T20 World Cup complications arose. However, he noted that the then-BCB leadership failed to address the situation with the seriousness and strategic depth it required.
Iqbal highlighted that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had initially shown flexibility, suggesting that a middle ground was achievable. “We lost out on a World Cup without any meaningful dialogue,” Iqbal stated. He expressed profound regret over the missed opportunity, emphasizing that several veteran players in the current squad may never get the chance to participate in a global tournament again.
Addressing relations with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Iqbal dismissed rumors of friction. He noted his personal rapport with BCCI President Mithun Minhas, stating that there are currently no grievances between the two boards.
Furthermore, Iqbal provided strong assurances regarding security, asserting that Bangladesh has a flawless track record in hosting the Indian team. “Security is not an issue; Bangladesh has always been a safe destination for the Indian team. Whenever they visit, the stadiums are packed to capacity,” he remarked, adding that he expects the upcoming series between the two neighbors to be a spectacular event.
When questioned about Pakistan’s decision to boycott the World Cup as a gesture of solidarity, Iqbal exercised diplomatic caution. He refrained from commenting directly on the merits of the move, stating that since he was not part of that specific decision-making process, he could not offer an opinion.
Nevertheless, he reiterated that the ultimate consequence of the surrounding political climate was the loss of a prestigious global sporting event for the players and fans alike.
