Tamim Iqbal Quits BCB Election, Calls It “Not an Election”

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal escalated the ongoing BCB election controversy on Wednesday by announcing his withdrawal from the race. 

Tamim had already voiced frustration last month, but his latest move took the row to the next level. Standing in front of reporters, his words cut deep: “This is not really an election. This doesn’t suit cricket in any way.”

His exit effectively clears the path for Aminul Islam, the incumbent president, to stay in power after October 6. With several directors already elected uncontested in regional categories, the numbers look firmly in Aminul’s favour.

Tamim represented Old DOHS, one of 76 clubs in Category 2 voting. But he made it clear he no longer wished to be part of what he described as a manipulated process. “At least 14 or 15 of us have withdrawn today,” he said. “The reason is clear. Rules were changed at will. Whatever they wanted to do, they did.”

The former captain didn’t hold back, even comparing the situation to match-fixing. “Election fixing needs to be stopped first,” he said, alleging that the deadlines for submitting nomination papers were unfairly extended. What irked him further was that Aminul Islam, current BCB president, himself signed one of the extensions, a task normally handled by the CEO.

Cricket fans could sense Tamim’s disappointment. For him, this wasn’t about losing a seat, but about the image of Bangladesh cricket. “Cricket doesn’t deserve this. Fans don’t deserve this either,” he said firmly.

Already, six directors have won uncontested: Shakhawat Hossain from Barishal, Rahat Shams from Sylhet, Ahsan Iqbal Chowdhury and Asif Akbar from Chattogram, and Abdur Razzak with Julfikar Ali Khan from Khulna. That left only a few regions, Dhaka, Rangpur, and Rajshahi, with three-way contests.

There is also a contest in Category 3, which includes educational institutions and former cricketers. Khaled Mashud, another ex-captain, will face Debabrata Paul in one of the tightest races. Mashud is among ten former players given voting rights in this category.

Yet, the bigger story is Tamim’s absence. His stature as a senior figure in Bangladesh cricket made him one of the most notable names in the running. His withdrawal, coupled with his words, casts a shadow over the elections.

Tamim summed it up in one line that might echo long after the polls close: “This election has become a black mark for the Bangladesh Cricket Board.”