Tamim reiterates BCB election bid, says ego and anger must be set aside

The ad hoc committee chief of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Tamim Iqbal, reiterated his desire to contest in the upcoming board elections as he has a long-term vision to take Bangladesh cricket forward.

“I made it very clear in my first press conference that I will run for president in the next election. I have a responsibility to have a free and fair election. Bangladesh cricket's stakeholders deserve to have a fair election.

“You have seen recently how cricket almost came to a halt in Bangladesh. Players were suffering, so we don't want that situation to happen again. If I get the opportunity after the elections, I will get to work on my vision for Bangladesh cricket,” said the former national captain during an exclusive interview with ESPNcricinfo’s Mohammad Isam.

“We were given three months to hold elections, but it will be completed before three months,” he added.

The long interview highlighted a major shift from being Bangladesh captain to BCB president, where the focus moves from on-field performance to overall cricket development, administration, and long-term planning.

“We cannot stop promoting the game just because it is the No. 1 sport in Bangladesh. I think we don't promote the game enough in cities, small towns and villages. We see that big companies continue promoting their brands, because otherwise people will forget the name[s],” he said.

When asked how being board president is different from being captain of the Bangladesh team, Tamim said: “There is a massive difference, of course. As the Bangladesh captain, you only think about the cricket and the players. As board president, you have to think about overall development, not just of the players, about the coaching staff and the board employees. You have to make decisions for the greater interest of the game. From this position, you cannot make emotional decisions. You have to consider Bangladesh's future.”

“I am trying to get in touch with everyone. I am a firm believer about having clear communication. You have to be more tactical and logical when you are dealing with your partners,” he said when asked how he is going to engage with the ICC and other boards.

The left-handed opener is the youngest BCB president and one of the younger board presidents in cricket. He said people in the subcontinent find it hard to accept someone as a leader when he is young, but he added that it is his responsibility to show everyone respect. “Again, communication is very important here,” he said.

He also explained his philosophy regarding how he plans to bring everyone together for Bangladesh cricket.

“I am not here to dictate or make harsh decisions. It is not about my likes or dislikes. Sitting in the president's chair, my ego and anger has to go out of the window. This is my mentality and this is how I want to take Bangladesh cricket into the future,” he said.

Tamim firmly said his first priority for Bangladesh women’s cricket is to ensure safety and security.

“First and foremost, I want to ensure the safety of our female cricketers. What has happened [allegations of improper behaviour by a former selector] and what they have suffered in the last few years, the No. 1 priority is their overall safety and security,” he said.