Tamim Iqbal: “I Won’t Play Cricket If Elected”

Former Bangladesh cricket captain and international run-machine Tamim Iqbal, who has amassed 15,249 runs in his career, has officially entered the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections. The board elections for the governing council are scheduled for October 6, where Tamim will be contesting.

Tamim had announced his retirement from international cricket in 2023, but returned to the national team following a request from the then Prime Minister. Despite the comeback, he played only two matches and has been away from the national team for almost two years. However, he has not completely stepped away from domestic cricket.

At a press conference on Sunday, Tamim clarified his stance, saying, “There’s no need for me to officially retire. Everyone understands that if I get elected to the BCB, I won’t be playing cricket anymore. But nowhere is it written that I can’t play. There’s no need for a formal retirement announcement.”

He further added, “Since the question has come up, let me make it clear: if I am elected, I will have no involvement with playing cricket in the country. However, I may still participate in charity matches.”

Beyond his personal position, Tamim also expressed his expectations regarding the election itself. “I only want a transparent election. I don’t mind the result, whether I win or lose. What matters most to me is that the process is fair,” he said.

The cricketing community is now buzzing with discussions about Tamim’s new role. Should he win the election, his next chapter in Bangladesh cricket will unfold not on the pitch, but in the BCB boardrooms at Mirpur—marking a new phase in the journey of the iconic left-handed opener.