BCB and BCCI Exploring New Window for India Series, Says Tamim

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal has insisted that the scheduled bilateral series against India has not been scrapped, revealing that both boards are actively seeking a new window to host the three ODIs and three T20Is originally slated for August-September.

Speaking to sports platform Not Out Noman on Sunday, Tamim acknowledged that the series cannot proceed as per the original schedule but dismissed suggestions that it has been abandoned due to the prevailing political climate between the two neighbouring countries.

“Whether it (India series) won’t happen hasn’t been decided yet,” Tamim said. “Both boards are very sincere that this thing happens. Both BCCI and BCB and we are looking at windows as well, at which time what can be done.”

Tamim stressed that the dialogue between the two cricket boards remains constructive, despite factors beyond their control complicating the rescheduling process.

“If I saw the intention was negative, then today I wouldn’t even have said this word to you, ‘Let’s see what happens, we’re hopeful.’ I wouldn’t have even said this word. Intentions are very positive,” he said.

The BCB president acknowledged the logistical difficulties, with Bangladesh having three series in the intervening period and India’s own packed international calendar. “Bangladesh is also busy, they are also busy,” he noted. “But we are having a regular discussion regarding this.”

Tamim also provided an update on the BCB’s ongoing anti-corruption drive, confirming that the board is preparing to name another four to five individuals involved in fixing scandals in the Bangladesh Premier League. The board had already issued a press release naming several corruptors, and legal procedures are now being followed for the next phase of disclosures.

“We have already given out a press release mentioning four-five of them. Four-five more names will be revealed. There is an issue with integrity. The lawyer is handling it now,” Tamim said.

Regret Over T20 World Cup Withdrawal

In a candid assessment, Tamim expressed regret over Bangladesh’s decision to skip the last ICC T20 World Cup, suggesting the board could have negotiated the situation more effectively. Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament citing security concerns following Mustafizur Rahman’s release from Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the 2026 IPL.

“I feel that we could have negotiated the thing much better,” Tamim said. “Look, Mustafizur’s issue was obviously something that the whole country was disappointed with. And I say today as well, I said that day too, it should never have happened. This was in no way the right thing to do.”

Tamim revealed that certain details from those negotiations, if made public, would surprise many, but he chose not to disclose them out of respect for the parties involved.

“We went to a point of no return right from the beginning,” he said. “After analysing everything, what I feel is that we could have dealt with this thing more carefully, more smartly.”

Sports and Politics

The BCB president stressed the importance of keeping sports separate from political considerations, citing the example of Iran competing in the United States amid ongoing hostilities.

“In some cases, we should treat sports as sports. Unfortunately, we sometimes might not be staying within this line. We often drag sports with other aspects as well,” he said.

“Whenever this topic comes up, I say the same thing again, that we should have definitely played the World Cup. We should have definitely done the negotiation in a better way.”

                                               

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