Is Tamim Iqbal Ready to Contest BCB Elections and Consider the Presidential Role?

New Delhi, Aug 31 (NationPress) Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has announced his intention to take part in the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections slated for October. He has also indicated that he may consider running for the position of president in the future.

Iqbal, who is a left-handed opener, retired from international cricket last year. The last BCB elections convened on October 6, 2021, with the inaugural board meeting held the following day. According to a report from Cricbuzz, the next election is expected to be held by October 7, 2025.

"No one can predict their ascent to the presidency in advance. However, the pressing question is whether I will contest in the BCB elections. If we discuss other platforms, such as the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), it involves a direct election for the presidential role.

"In contrast, the cricket board functions differently. Initially, you must be elected as a director, and if multiple candidates vie for the presidency, the directors cast their votes to determine the winner. When asked about my participation in the BCB election, I believe I have a strong chance. This time, I'm contesting for a director's position," Iqbal shared, as quoted by the Bengali publication Kalerkantha.

The BCB constitution outlines a three-tier election process to form the 25-member board. Twelve directors are elected from Dhaka-based clubs (Category 1) by 76 councillors, while 10 posts under Category 2 are filled by representatives from eight divisions and 64 districts.

In Category 3, one director is elected under the “other representatives” quota, while two are nominated by the National Sports Council. The board of directors then selects the president.

According to the constitution, the CEO of the BCB, under the president’s guidance, must inform relevant parties 30 days before the election to nominate councillors for the upcoming general assembly. The Election Commission, appointed by the executive committee, will draft the regulations, finalize the voter list, announce the schedule, and oversee the voting process.

"It would be unwise to declare my presidential ambitions at this point. If the presidency were determined through a direct election, I could confidently state my intentions. That decision will be made after the board of directors is elected. If I find adequate support, I might run for president then," he added.

“For now, my focus is on becoming a director first. The rest will unfold in due time. If one aims to contribute to Bangladesh cricket, holding a significant position is crucial. I believe that if I join the cricket board, I should possess the authority to make impactful decisions," Iqbal concluded.