Tamim to Contest in BCB Elections, Akram Khan Steps Aside

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has announced his candidacy for the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections. However, another former captain and ex-BCB director, Akram Khan, has decided to withdraw from the race, saying it would not be appropriate for two members of the same family to contest.

Akram Khan has been associated with the cricket board for a long time, serving in several key roles such as chief selector, director, and chairman of the cricket operations committee. Although currently holding multiple posts, the experienced cricket organizer will step aside once the current board’s term ends.

Speaking to the media about his decision, Akram said, "As you know, another member of my family is participating. I don’t think it looks good for two people from the same family to be on the board. He (Tamim Iqbal) is younger than me, like my son. I have carried him in my arms. That’s why I’m stepping aside. Having both of us there wouldn’t look right. Age is also a factor. Considering everything, I’ve decided not to contest the election."

Mahbub Anam, chairman of the BCB Grounds Committee, will also not contest in the upcoming elections. From the Chattogram region, there could be two candidates, but Akram is leaving the space open to give his nephew Tamim a better chance.

If Tamim wins a director’s post, he may even run for the position of BCB president. Current president Bulbul is also preparing to contest for the same role, which could set up a high-profile battle between the two former cricketers.

However, Akram insists that his only priority is the betterment of Bangladesh cricket, steering clear of any controversy. He said:
"Whether it is Tamim or Bulbul, both are close to me—one is my relative, the other a colleague. I want what’s best for Bangladesh cricket. What’s most important now is respect. Sadly, what we are seeing is that, for personal gain, people are disrespecting others. That is something I cannot tolerate. Because our background is cricket. Apart from cricket, I didn’t come here as a businessman or a politician. So, if there’s any kind of disrespect toward cricket, it is unacceptable."