BCB director calls Tamim an ‘Indian Agent’, sparks protest from CWAB and cricketers

The issue stems from Bangladesh’s reluctance to travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup following the exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Speaking on Thursday, Tamim said decisions should be taken by prioritising the interests and future of Bangladesh cricket. He urged the BCB to act responsibly and consider the long-term impact such decisions may have over the next 10 years.

Reacting to Tamim’s remarks, BCB director Najmul posted on Facebook, labelling Tamim an “Indian agent”. The comment drew widespread condemnation across the cricketing community.

In a statement on Friday, CWAB said, “The comment made by BCB director Najmul Islam regarding former national captain Tamim Iqbal has come to our attention. We are shocked, astonished and deeply angered. Such a remark about the country’s most successful opener, who served Bangladesh cricket for 16 years, is utterly disgraceful. Making such comments about any cricketer is unacceptable and insulting to the entire cricket fraternity. We strongly protest this statement.”

National team fast bowler Taskin Ahmed wrote on Facebook, “Cricket is the lifeblood of Bangladesh. A recent comment targeting a former national captain who has made immense contributions to this sport has disturbed many. Such remarks against a former cricketer are not beneficial for the interests of Bangladesh cricket. I hope the authorities will take this matter seriously and act more responsibly in the future.”

Spinner Taijul Islam also expressed his outrage, saying, “I am stunned by the statement made by a BCB director about Tamim. Such choice of words from a board official is not only distasteful but completely unacceptable and against cricketing culture. I strongly protest this comment and demand a public apology and proper accountability.”

Former Test captain Mominul Haque wrote, “The comment made by a BCB director about former captain Tamim contradicts the responsibility and ethics of the board. A senior cricketer was not given even basic respect and was publicly humiliated. The lack of basic decorum in such remarks is alarming. I strongly condemn this and urge the BCB to take swift and strict action.”

However, Najmul has defended his controversial remarks about former national captain, saying his comments were driven by national sentiment and security concerns.

He further criticised Tamim, stating that despite being a legendary cricketer with 15,000 international runs for Bangladesh, Tamim was “batting in favour of India” by going against public sentiment.

Najmul later clarified that the remarks reflected his personal opinion and should not be interpreted otherwise.