Don’t be driven by emotion: Tamim Iqbal on Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup stance

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has urged the country’s Cricket Board not to be driven by “public emotion” while deciding the national team’s participation in next month’s T20 World Cup in India, warning that any such decision could have an “impact ten years down the line”.

Bangladesh have expressed reluctance to tour India for the tournament starting February 7 and have sought to shift their matches to co-host Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. The move came after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders on the instructions of the BCCI for unspecified reasons, amid reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.

“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.

“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.

Bangladesh sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul has taken a hard-line position on a change of venue, citing national pride, amid rising anti-India sentiment within government circles. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has largely echoed this view, though there are murmurs that the Aminul Islam Bulbul-led board is not fully aligned with that approach.

“We consider the Bangladesh Cricket Board an independent body. Of course, the government plays a very big role, and discussions with the government are necessary. But if we consider the BCB an independent body, then it must also have the authority to make its own decisions,” Tamim said.

“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 organisation,” he said.

“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,” he added.

No need for daily statements

The 36-year-old, who played 70 Tests, 243 ODIs and 78 T20 Internationals for Bangladesh, was also critical of the daily statements being issued by the BCB and the Bangladesh government.

“After taking a final decision and completing internal discussions, that decision should then be communicated publicly. If you announce every step publicly, it creates unnecessary uncertainty, which is what has happened now,” he said.

“If a decision changes tomorrow, or a week later, and becomes something else, then how will you explain your initial comment?” Tamim asked.

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