Tamim Calls on BCB to Ensure Accountability for Wrongdoers

DHAKA: On Friday, the discord between cricketers and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) amplified when seasoned cricketer Tamim Iqbal spearheaded a contingent of current and former players in an impromptu assembly with BCB President Faruque Ahmed at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

This meeting stemmed from rising discontent concerning recent disputes, notably inconsistent disciplinary measures, perceived unjust player treatment, and occurrences many have labeled as public degradation.

The core of this unrest is the suspension episode surrounding Towhid Hridoy. Initially, Hridoy faced a two-match ban for on-field violations, yet he was reinstated after only one match—a move that triggered widespread disapproval.

The matter intensified when the BCB revived the suspension, inciting further indignation among the players.

“It’s absurd,” Tamim stated. “Once a player completes his suspension and is permitted to return, how can he be sanctioned again for the same infraction?”

Concerns were also vocalized regarding the handling of cricketers Naeem and Sabbir, who were reportedly coerced into recreating a contested dismissal during a probe into corruption.

“Indeed, penalize those found culpable. Yet, subjecting players to public shame surpasses any regulatory framework,” Tamim stressed.

Another critical point was the recent disclosure of a list implicating ten Bangladesh Premier League players in suspected corruption. Tamim denounced the leak, asserting it unjustly damaged the reputations of players without wrongdoing.

“If a player is at fault, take action. However, refrain from defaming everyone through disclosures,” he added.

In response, the BCB clarified that Hridoy’s suspension was not annulled but rather postponed over a year to preserve the competition’s fairness while guaranteeing impartiality.