Former captains get privilege card
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday honoured current and former captains of the national men’s and women’s teams by presenting them with special ‘Captains’ Cards’ at a ceremony held at a city hotel in the capital.
The initiative, introduced by BCB ad hoc committee president Tamim Iqbal, offers a range of benefits to 33 captains -- 27 from the men’s team and six from the women’s team -- who have led Bangladesh across formats since 1977.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. A total of 21 recipients attended the event in person, while the others were unable to join for various reasons.
Cardholders will enjoy free entry to stadiums during Bangladesh matches at home and abroad, along with VVIP car parking, health insurance, and 24-hour access to BCB doctors.
“The vast scale that Bangladesh cricket has reached today is because of those who contributed behind the scenes. The board has reached this situation because of them,” Tamim said.
“They may not have received the kind of money or media coverage that exists today, but they played purely out of love and passion for the game. They truly deserve our respect.”
He acknowledged that the ‘Captains’ Card’ may not fully reflect their contributions but described it as a meaningful start.
“Our captains often feel a sense of insecurity, whether they will be recognised or stopped at the stadium entrance, and whether their respect will be upheld. It is unfortunate that such thoughts even cross their minds,” he added.
Tamim said the benefits associated with the card would expand as the BCB continues to grow.
“The more the BCB grows, the more this card will grow. We will keep adding more benefits. This is not something very big, it is quite small, but it is a start. It is a gesture of respect from the BCB,” he said.
He also revealed that he personally reached out to most former and current captains, including Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan and Faruque Ahmed. He added that he had attempted to contact Aminul Islam Bulbul but was unable to reach him.
Previously, captains could watch matches free of charge but had to request passes in advance; the new card removes that requirement.
Members of the current Bangladesh ODI squad, along with coaching and support staff staying at the same hotel, were also present at the programme.
Recipients of the Captains’ Card
Men:
Shamim Kabir, ASM Roquibul Hasan, Shafique-Ul-Haque Heera, Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, Faruque Ahmed, Minhajul Abedin Nannu, Akram Khan, Aminul Islam Bulbul, Naimur Rahman Durjoy, Khaled Mashud Pilot, Khaled Mahmud Sujon, Habibul Bashar, Shahriar Nafees, Rajin Saleh, Mohammad Ashraful, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, Mominul Haque, Litton Das, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali Anik.
Women:
Tazkia Akter, Salma Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Rumana Ahmed, Nigar Sultana Joty and Fahima Khatun.
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