BCB President offers Tamim Iqbal alternative role following retirement speculation

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed has made a significant appeal regarding veteran batter Tamim Iqbal.

Ahmed stated that Tamim needs to make a clear decision about his cricketing future soon, expressing a desire to see the seasoned player return to national duty. However, he also offered Tamim an off-field role if the batter decides to retire.

The former captain, who was last seen in national colors during the buildup to the 2023 ODI World Cup, reversed his retirement decision following intervention from then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former captain Mashrafe Mortaza. Despite this, his return did not proceed as planned, culminating in his withdrawal from the World Cup squad. 

A reported disagreement with fellow veteran Shakib Al Hasan over a potential change in batting position further complicated matters. Tamim had previously announced his retirement from T20Is in 2022, with his last competitive appearance in the Dhaka Premier League in May.

"Tamim needs to decide whether he wants to continue as a player or he wants to take up a different role. He has done so much for Bangladesh cricket, and it would be wonderful to get him involved in the BCB. If he decides to retire, then as the head of the Board, I would like to see him in a new role so that he can give it back to the game. With his vast experience, Tamim will be able to help our cricket grow," Faruque Ahmed said.

Ahmed also revealed that he had recently met with Tamim to discuss the future of both his career and Bangladesh cricket. 

"Tamim had come to meet me yesterday, and we discussed with all the players about the road ahead in terms of domestic cricket. I go back a long way with all these players, and since most of them made their international debut during my tenure as the chairman of the selection committee, I’m close to all of them. So, it was a fruitful discussion. I have told Tamim that he is in that phase of life where he needs to make a decision about his future. If he is fit, then why not!" he concluded.

It is worth noting that Bangladesh recently announced their 16-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against India, set to begin on September 19. The first Test will be held in Chennai, with the second scheduled for September 27 in Kanpur.

Bangladesh squad for India Test series: Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Jaker Ali, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed.