Controversy Erupts Over BCB Official's Remarks on Tamim Iqbal

A senior official from the Bangladesh Cricket Board has ignited controversy by labeling former captain Tamim Iqbal as 'an Indian agent.' This statement has drawn sharp criticism from current and former players, including the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh, which demands accountability and a public apology. The incident raises serious questions about the conduct of board officials and the treatment of players who have significantly contributed to the sport. As Bangladesh navigates its cricketing future, the community reflects on the importance of respect and professionalism within the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 9, 2026, 20:11 IST

BCB Official's Remarks Spark Outrage

A senior official from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has stirred controversy by labeling former captain Tamim Iqbal as 'an Indian agent,' a statement that has not been well received by players across the nation.

Tamim, recognized as one of Bangladesh's premier openers, had previously advised the BCB to remain rational and not let emotions dictate their decisions regarding the national team's involvement in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India.

Nazmul, who chairs the BCB finance committee, made the disparaging remark in a Facebook post, stating, 'This time, the people of Bangladesh witnessed, with their own eyes, the emergence of yet another proven Indian agent.'

The comment drew immediate criticism from both current and former cricketers, including Taskin Ahmed, Momimul Haque, and Taijul Islam.

The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) also expressed their dismay at Nazmul's statement.

In a statement, they said, 'We are stunned, shocked, and outraged by the comment made by BCB director M Nazmul Islam regarding former national captain Tamim Iqbal.'

They further condemned the remark, emphasizing that it was not only disrespectful to Tamim, who has had a 16-year career representing Bangladesh, but also an insult to the entire cricketing community.

'We strongly protest against this comment. When a responsible board director makes such remarks on a public platform, it raises serious questions about the code of conduct of board officials,' the CWAB added.

Tamim has an impressive record, having played 70 Tests, 243 ODIs, and 78 T20 Internationals for Bangladesh.

In light of the situation, the CWAB has submitted a protest letter to the BCB president, demanding a public apology from Nazmul and accountability for his actions.

Bangladesh has also reached out to the International Cricket Council, requesting that their T20 World Cup matches be relocated from India after the BCCI directed IPL franchise KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman without explanation.

'Cricket is the lifeblood of Bangladesh. The recent comments about a former national captain who has significantly contributed to the sport have prompted much reflection,' said pacer Taskin.

'Such remarks aimed at a former cricketer are detrimental to the interests of Bangladesh cricket. I hope the relevant authorities will take this matter seriously and adopt a more responsible approach in the future,' he added.

Back in 2007, Tamim's remarkable half-century was pivotal in Bangladesh's victory over India in the ODI World Cup held in the Caribbean.

Former captain Mominul also condemned Nazmul's comments, stating, 'The remarks made by BCB director M Nazmul Islam regarding former national captain Tamim Iqbal are entirely unacceptable and disrespectful to the cricketing community of our country.'

'Such behavior towards a cricketer contradicts the board's responsibilities and ethics. A senior cricketer deserves respect, not public humiliation. This shows a lack of basic decorum expected from someone in such a high position.'

'I strongly denounce this comment and demand a public apology from the director, along with accountability. I urge the BCB to take prompt and decisive action,' Mominul concluded.