Tamim Iqbal cautions BCB against taking emotional T20 World Cup decision: 'Consider future of Bangladesh cricket...'

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has urged the cricket board of his country to not be influenced by public emotions regarding travelling to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup which begins next month. Iqbal has told the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to think about the future of cricket in country before taking the final decision.

BCB has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move its matches for the upcoming showpiece tournament to Sri Lanka due to security reasons. However, reports suggest that ICC has refused to accommodate the demand and if the deadlock persists, Bangladesh might have to forfeit the tournament.

Iqbal urges BCB to keep future in mind

Iqbal, regarded as one of the greatest batters from Bangladesh, spoke his mind on the controversial issue and urged his country’s board to take a decision thinking about the long-term consequences.

“The situation is a bit critical at the moment, and making a sudden comment right now is difficult. But one thing you must keep in mind is that many issues can often be resolved through dialogue if everyone comes together,” Tamim was quoted as saying by ‘Cricbuzz’.

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“You have to consider where Bangladesh stands in world cricket and what the future of Bangladesh cricket could be and then make decisions accordingly,” he added.

“If the board feels a certain decision is right, then it should take that decision. Public opinion will always vary. When we play, spectators say many things driven by emotion. But if you start making decisions based on all that, you cannot run such a big organization,” he said.

Reports have revealed that a faction in the board is not fully sold on sports advisor Asif Nazrul's hardline stance on the World Cup issue.

“Today’s decisions will have an impact ten years down the line, so decisions should be taken by considering what is best for Bangladesh cricket and for Bangladeshi players - that is what I personally believe,” the left-hander said.

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“Whatever the final decision is, I only hope that Bangladesh cricket’s interests are prioritized above everything else, and that the future of Bangladesh cricket is carefully considered before taking that decision,” he concluded.

Iqbal, who retired last year, played 70 Tests, 243 ODIs, 78 T20Is and was one Bangladesh’s most reliable batters, scoring over 15,000 international runs.