Tamim Iqbal, a former captain of Bangladesh, has warned the Bangladesh Cricket Board to avoid making decisions based on “public emotion” when it comes to the national team’s participation in the T20 World Cup in India next month since doing so would have a “impact 10 years down the line”.
Citing security concerns, Bangladesh has stated that they are reluctant to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. Instead, they want their matches to be moved to co-hosts Sri Lanka.
This came after attacks against Hindus in Dhaka prompted the BCCI to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders for unspecified reasons.
“The situation is a bit critical at the moment, and making a sudden comment right now is difficult. But one thing you must keep in mind is that many issues can often be resolved through dialogue if everyone comes together. You have to consider where Bangladesh stands in world cricket and what the future of Bangladesh cricket could be and then make decisions accordingly,” Tamim was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Asif Nazrul, an advisor to the Bangladeshi sports ministry, has adopted a tough stance on the venue shift, citing pride in the country and the ongoing rise in anti-Indian attitude in the administration.
Despite rumors that the Aminul Islam Bulbul-led BCB is not entirely in line with the strategy, BCB has largely supported the viewpoint.
“We consider the Bangladesh Cricket Board an independent body. Of course, the government plays a very big role, and discussions with the government are necessary. But if we consider the BCB an independent body, then it must also have the authority to make its own decisions,” said Tamim.
“If the board feels a certain decision is right, then it should take that decision. Public opinion will always vary. When we play, spectators say many things driven by emotion. But if you start making decisions based on all that, you cannot run such a big organization.
“Today’s decisions will have an impact ten years down the line, so decisions should be taken by considering what is best for Bangladesh cricket and for Bangladeshi players – that is what I personally believe,” he added.
The 36-year-old Tamim, who has played for his nation in 70 Test matches, 243 ODIs, and 78 T20 Internationals during the course of a pretty successful career, was also critical of the everyday remarks made by the Bangladeshi government and the BCB.
“After taking a final decision and completing internal discussions, that decision should then be communicated publicly. If you announce every step publicly, it creates unnecessary uncertainty, which is what has happened now,” he said.
“If a decision changes tomorrow, or a week later, and becomes something else, then how will you explain your initial comment?” he asked.
“Whatever the final decision is, I only hope that Bangladesh cricket’s interests are prioritized above everything else, and that the future of Bangladesh cricket is carefully considered before taking that decision,” he said.
