Tamim Iqbal Receives Honest Feedback As BCB President

Tamim Iqbal for BCB [Source: AFP]

Bangladesh cricket is experiencing a wave of fresh leadership, and the man at the centre of it all is Tamim Iqbal. The former national captain has taken charge as president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board under extraordinary circumstances.

Now, the early feedback from players, particularly from batter Towhid Hridoy, has been openly positive and heartfelt. It was not the guarded praise reserved for Tamim Iqbal, but honest, direct appreciation from someone who feels the difference on the ground.

How and why did Tamim Iqbal became the BCB president?

Iqbal became BCB president in April 2026 at the age of 37, making him the youngest person ever to lead the board. His arrival was not through a traditional election.

The government’s National Sports Council dissolved the previous board, which had been led by Aminul Islam, after an investigation found significant weaknesses and irregularities in the October 2025 elections.

To restore stability and credibility, the government appointed Tamim to head an 11-member ad-hoc committee.

The previous board had been under immense pressure after Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the 2026 T20 World Cup. After Tamim’s appointment, the BCB signalled a move away from political controversy and towards a more structural professionalism.

Since stepping in, Tamim Iqbal has made a series of quick decisions that have been widely welcomed. And the most telling feedback has come directly from a Bangladesh player.

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Hridoy lauds new Bangladesh Cricket Board President

Towhid Hridoy, a key batter in the national setup, did not hold back when asked about the new president. Hridoy has seen how things used to work and now feels a genuine shift. The batter stated plainly that the positivity has spread across the entire playing group.

“He has taken some really good initiatives for the fans as well. He’s thinking about them too. Everything he has done so far has been good. From the players’ point of view, everyone is happy,” Hridoy said.

That honest admission revealed a long-standing frustration that had simmered under previous administrations of Bangladesh. Tamim moved quickly to address it.

Domestic men’s match fees and monthly retainers were significantly raised. For instance, Category A monthly salaries reached BDT 65,000, and first-class match fees climbed to BDT 100,000. Women’s players saw their T20 match fees jump from BDT 1,000 to BDT 10,000.

Towhid Hridoy appreciates Tamim Iqbal’s friendliness and approachability

Hridoy’s feedback touched on more than money. He explained that Tamim’s recent retirement made him uniquely approachable. The formality and distance that can exist between a board president and a cricketer have begun to dissolve.

“Since he just stopped playing recently, every player can go up to the president and speak their mind freely. From players to fans, whatever he has done so far has been positive. Hopefully, more good things will come,” Hridoy added.

Ultra-positive reforms introduced by Tamim Iqbal

The positive feedback is rooted in concrete action. Tamim’s ad-hoc committee did not just increase salaries. They announced structural changes designed to create a stronger domestic system.

The introduction of a 2nd XI Championship will serve as a feeder competition for the National Cricket League, giving fringe players more opportunities to perform and be noticed.

There was also a strong focus on integrity. Tamim Iqbal declared there would be no more “committee teams,” a term used for favoured clubs that received preferential treatment in domestic cricket.

He standardised team meals and medical support, ensuring ICU-equipped ambulances are present during domestic leagues.

At the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Tamim Iqbal initiated major infrastructure upgrades. A 27,000-square-foot canopy is being installed to provide shade for spectators in the general gallery.

Washrooms are being renovated, and there are explorations into installing solar panels on the rooftops. A special “Captain’s Card” was launched, giving 33 former national captains lifetime perks, including stadium access, VVIP parking, and health insurance.

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