Published: October 1, 2025
Cricketer Tamim Iqbal has officially withdrawn his candidacy from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections, expressing profound dissatisfaction with the integrity of the process. He asserted that he cannot be a participant in what he considers to be a rigged electoral exercise that fundamentally undermines the spirit of cricket. “This is not an election, and it doesn`t suit cricket in any way,” Iqbal stated, echoing previous concerns.
Contested Positions and Unopposed Entries
The BCB`s election commission announced that following Tamim`s withdrawal, along with 15 other candidates, a total of 27 individuals will now compete for the remaining 17 director positions. These elections are crucial as they determine 23 out of 25 board directors—the remaining two being government appointees—who subsequently elect the board president. Tamim`s departure from the race significantly clears the path for Aminul Islam, the current BCB president, to secure re-election after October 6.
Six director roles have already been filled uncontested in various sub-categories. These include:
- Barishal: Shakhawat Hossain
- Sylhet: Rahat Shams
- Chattogram: Ahsan Iqbal Chowdhury and Asif Akbar
- Khulna: Abdur Razzak and Julfikar Ali Khan
Meanwhile, the Dhaka, Rangpur, and Rajshahi regions still feature three contenders each vying for director posts. Further competition is expected in the third category, which encompasses educational institutions and former cricketers. Here, former captain Khaled Mashud is set to contest against Debabrata Paul, who represents Jahangirnagar University. Mashud is one of ten former cricketers specifically chosen by the BCB to cast votes in this segment.
Tamim`s Allegations of Interference
Tamim, who represents Old DOHS—one of 76 clubs participating in the Category 2 elections—submitted his withdrawal papers on Wednesday. He reiterated allegations of interference in the electoral process, criticisms he had initially raised during a press conference on September 21.
“At least 14 or 15 of us have withdrawn our nominations today,” Tamim disclosed. “The reason is abundantly clear. From the very outset, I`ve maintained a consistent stance, and now it`s evident to everyone the trajectory these elections are taking and how they are being conducted. Whatever seems convenient at any given moment, whatever they desire, is simply enacted. This isn`t genuinely an election; it`s a sham that disgraces the game of cricket.”
He further added, “Much has been said, but ultimately, I feel we simply cannot be a part of this. My constant belief is that cricket, Bangladesh cricket, and its passionate fans deserve far better than this compromised process.”
Procedural Irregularities and “Election-Fixing”
Tamim`s frustration peaked due to multiple extensions of the nomination submission deadlines. Notably, one of these extensions was personally signed by BCB President Aminul Islam, a duty typically handled by the BCB`s chief executive officer, which raised significant questions about procedural impropriety.
“While match-fixing is often condemned loudly, it is this `election-fixing` that must first be eradicated,” Tamim asserted. “I believe it`s transparent to everyone who was involved, at what junctures, the nature of their involvement, the extent of the interference, and how rules were arbitrarily altered for convenience. I conclude by stating that these elections have cast a dark shadow over the Bangladesh Cricket Board.”
