However, questions have already arisen over the draft list, with 15 clubs’ councillors excluded and no representatives named from six districts.
Adding to the debate, Tamim Iqbal’s candidacy has also been questioned by several quarters. The former Bangladesh captain, however, insists there is no reason to doubt his eligibility. He is part of two club committees and also runs his own club. Critics point to the fact that Tamim has not officially retired from cricket, but he believes that does not disqualify him.
Speaking to the media in Mirpur, Tamim said today, "Please check the constitution carefully. It mentions ‘former cricketer,’ but does it specify that I must officially announce my retirement? I haven’t played a competitive match for the past five months. If I decide in my mind that I won’t play again, that makes me a former cricketer already."
The preliminary list of ex-players eligible as councillors includes Aminul Islam Bulbul, Faruque Ahmed, Javed Omar Belim, Minhajul Abedin Nannu, Mohammad Ehsanul Haque, Mohammad Ali Khan, Khaled Mashud Pilot, and Hasibul Hossain Shanto. Many of them too have never made formal retirement announcements.
Tamim particularly highlighted the case of Mohammad Ashraful: "Among the 15 names given by the BCB, Ashraful bhai recently played cricket in England. Aminul Islam Bulbul bhai, our president, also never officially announced his retirement. If you target me for this, others should also be questioned."
Bulbul has been listed as a councillor from the Dhaka Divisional Sports Association, while Tamim represents Old DOHS Club. Former BCB president Faruque Ahmed is a councillor from Rangers Cricket Academy. Other nominated former players include Javed Omar, Minhajul Abedin, Ehsanul Haque, Mohammad Ali, Khaled Mashud, and Hasibul Hossain.
Additionally, the voters’ list features BCB officials such as Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, Mohammad Shafiqul Haque, Rokibul Hasan, Mohammad Ashraful, and Habibul Bashar Suman.
Earlier, former cricketer Halim Shah has reportedly filed an objection against Tamim’s councillorship from Old DOHS Club. However, the Canada-based Halim Shah has denied submitting any such petition, claiming his name was misused.
Responding to the issue, Tamim Iqbal said: "I run three clubs and serve as the vice-president of one. My nomination from Old DOHS was decided through a meeting."
