'There was room to find solution': Tamim Iqbal faults former BCB for T20 World Cup exclusion

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formed an interim committee and appointed former captain Tamim Iqbal as its head. Addressing the controversy surrounding Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2026, Tamim admitted that the situation was mishandled by the previous BCB administration and expressed disappointment over how the country lost its place in the tournament.

While India celebrated a historic third T20 World Cup title, Bangladesh endured one of the darkest chapters in its cricketing history after being left out of the competition. The controversy began when Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was withdrawn from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad amid rising religious tensions in Bangladesh. Concerned about player safety, the BCB requested the ICC to move Bangladesh’s matches from India to Sri Lanka. However, with the tournament schedule already finalised, the ICC declined the proposal due to logistical complications, ultimately leading to Bangladesh’s exclusion.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Tamim criticised the handling of the issue by the former BCB administration and felt there was still enough room for dialogue and compromise.

“I was probably the first person to speak out when the T20 World Cup issue happened. The way it was handled by the previous BCB administration was not right. The ICC was lenient and there was room to find a solution. We should have found it,” Tamim said.

The former Bangladesh skipper also reflected emotionally on Bangladesh’s cricketing journey and what World Cup qualification means to the country. He recalled the celebrations after Bangladesh secured qualification for the 1999 World Cup by winning the ICC Trophy in 1997.

“People celebrated on the streets. That victory inspired an entire generation to take up cricket. Everyone wanted to become Minhajul Abedin Nannu, Khaled Mashud or Akram Khan. And then we gave away a World Cup opportunity without even proper discussions. There may be players in that squad who might never get another chance to play a World Cup, and that hurt me deeply,” he added.

Tamim also spoke about Bangladesh’s relationship with the BCCI, insisting that ties between the two boards remain healthy. He revealed that he shares a strong personal bond with current BCCI president Mithun Manhas, having played alongside him in the IPL and domestic leagues.

“I know Mithun Manhas very well. We played together in the IPL and he has visited Bangladesh many times for Dhaka league cricket. I haven’t met him officially in this role yet, but we share a very good rapport,” Tamim said.

He further assured that Bangladesh remains a safe destination for international cricket and hoped India would tour the country again soon.

131033604

“The security situation in Bangladesh is absolutely fine at the moment. There is no threat, especially for the Indian cricket team. Whenever India tours Bangladesh, the stadiums are packed because people love that rivalry. I personally believe there are no real issues between BCB and BCCI anymore, and a bilateral series in Bangladesh would be a great step forward,” he concluded.