Tamim Joins BNP Circle to Become BCB President

Sports Desk

Former national cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal has joined district and divisional sports organizer associations with BNP-backed organizers, expressing his intention to contest the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections in October.

Tamim, who suffered a heart attack during the recent Dhaka Premier League and had a stent implanted, can no longer play professionally but has now turned his focus to cricket administration. He was seen sitting beside another former captain, Khaled Mashud Pilot—a known BNP supporter likely to become a director from Rajshahi division—during an association meeting in Dhaka on Saturday.

As co-owner of Gulshan Cricket Club in the Premier League, Tamim can participate in the BCB election as a councillor. He may also secure nominations through district and divisional sports associations.

Sources indicate Tamim has already begun lobbying for councillors’ support nationwide and reportedly sought blessings from BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman during a London visit. However, he faces stiff competition:

1. Current BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon, backed by the interim government, has announced his candidacy. Pro-Papon circles claim Tamim previously enjoyed close ties with former PM Sheikh Hasina.
2. Mahbub Anam, a long-time BCB director and BNP-linked organizer affiliated with Mohammedan Sporting Club, also seeks the presidency.

The election is shaping up as a three-way battle between Tamim, Papon, and Anam, with political affiliations playing a key role.