Dhaka, Oct 1 (UNI) Bangladesh’s former captain Tamim Iqbal today called the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election a “black stain” and announced his withdrawal from the contest along with nearly 15 other candidates, alleging widespread irregularities, pressure tactics, and manipulation.
Tamim confirmed that around 14–15 candidates had withdrawn their nominations, many of them being influential names with strong support bases. “This withdrawal is our way of protest. We cannot remain part of this dirtiness. When the Election Commission publishes the list of withdrawals, everyone will see that they are heavyweights with very strong vote banks,” he told reporters.
The left-hander said he had been consistent from the beginning in questioning the direction of the polls. “This is not an election. Things are being done whenever and however they wish. Rules were changed at convenience, and everyone knows who is involved and what kind of interference has taken place,” he alleged.
Tamim added that some candidates were pressured, influenced, or discouraged from continuing. “Many were stopped in different ways. Still, a large number withdrew today. If about 15 withdrew, that is almost 50 percent, a very significant number,” he said.
Expressing disappointment, Tamim said the biggest loser in the process was cricket itself. “The board members may go ahead and win like this, but cricket has lost 100 percent today. Bangladesh cricket does not deserve this, and neither do the fans,” he stressed.
Taking a sharp dig at the administrators, Tamim remarked: “You often say fixing in Bangladesh cricket must be stopped. First stop election fixing, then think about fixing in cricket.”
The former skipper reiterated that his withdrawal was a matter of principle. “In no way can we remain a part of this filth. I have always said, I understand the art of construction. When you build, you put in Salam Steel, the most durable steel. But this dirtiness cannot be part of our foundation,” he said.
Tamim maintained that the entire process was manipulated. “It is absolutely clear to everyone who has been involved, what role they played, and when rules were changed. I will speak in detail in the future about what happened and what did not,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, Tamim said: “This election has left a black stain on the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Those who are part of it also know very well that this was never a genuine election. Thank you. I have nothing further to add.”
