Tamim’s pointed social media post hints at Shakib — but who else is he referring to?

Tamim Iqbal has once again found himself at the center of cricketing controversy. This time, his long social media post has reignited discussions involving former BCB Cricket Operations Chairman Jalal Yunus and star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. In response to recent claims made against him, the former Bangladesh captain has come forward to clarify his position.

According to a news report published yesterday, Tamim Iqbal and Jalal Yunus were allegedly involved in leaking internal team matters to the media, with the aim of removing then-head coach Chandika Hathurusingha. The claim was reportedly based on findings from the World Cup probe committee's report.

Tamim, however, strongly denied the allegations and distinguished between individual opinion and formal accusation.

On his official Facebook page, Tamim wrote:

“I will never shake hands with you!”

“To those who are relentlessly targeting me and trying to tarnish my image to win me over — know this: I will never join hands with you.

If I ever enter cricket administration, I will do so the right way, and solely for the betterment of cricket. Even if it means never being part of the cricket board, I will not compromise by shaking hands with people like you.

To my fans and supporters of Bangladesh cricket, I want to clarify: there is a vast difference between a person’s personal assumption and being formally accused in an official investigation.

A certain individual gave his personal opinion to the investigation committee. That’s his business. This same person had previously made several accusations against me on a television channel — he has said many things at different times.

I’ve never publicly accused him of anything. But let me be very clear — the investigation report did not contain any allegation against me, nor was I questioned about any alleged information leak. In fact, I wasn’t even part of the team at that time! Had the committee found any merit in those claims, they surely would have raised the matter or questioned me.

I hope everyone understands the vast difference between someone’s assumption and a formal charge in an investigation.

To those who are misrepresenting this matter with dishonest intentions — once again, I say — you will never find me among your ranks. I will not shake your hand.”

While Tamim didn’t name anyone directly, it’s widely believed that the "certain individual" mentioned is Shakib Al Hasan. The reference appears to be linked to Shakib’s explosive interview with T-Sports prior to the 2023 World Cup — a moment that stirred significant controversy at the time.

Now, with Tamim’s bold response, the spotlight returns. The question remains — how murky will these waters get?

Tamim Iqbal Reiterates His Stand on Joining the Board — ‘Will Not Shake Hands with Anyone’

In a recent interview given to a YouTube channel, Tamim Iqbal expressed his willingness to join cricket administration in the future — but only through the right path. He made it clear that if and when he does enter the board, it will be without compromising his principles or aligning with anyone he disagrees with.

Tamim echoed the same sentiment in his recent Facebook post, stating firmly that he would not shake hands with those trying to tarnish his image or manipulate him into submission. The former Bangladesh captain emphasized that if he ever joins the cricket board, it will be solely for the betterment of cricket and not by siding with any particular group or individual.

His consistent message — across both his social media and interviews — underscores a strong personal stance amid growing tensions surrounding his role, past conflicts, and future involvement in cricket governance.