Published: 10:59 AM, 18 April 2026
BCB introduces 'Captains' Card' with lifetime access, medical benefits to former skippers
Tamim, who received his own card from former captain ShafiqulHaqHeera, said the initiative was designed to honour the historical leaders of Bangladesh cricket and alleviate the anxiety many face when visiting stadiums post-retirement. -BCB
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) introduced a "Captains' Card" on Thursday, granting former national team leaders lifetime access to all board events and comprehensive medical benefits.
BCB ad-hoc committee president TamimIqbal distributed the cards during a ceremony at a Dhaka hotel Tamim, who received his own card from former captain ShafiqulHaqHeera, said the initiative was designed to honour the historical leaders of Bangladesh cricket and alleviate the anxiety many face when visiting stadiums post-retirement.
"I am sure all the captains present here have felt a sense of insecurity at some point about whether they would be recognized, stopped, or disrespected if they went to the ground," Tamim said. "This has happened to me as well. The card is meant to remove that hesitation."
Cardholders will receive the same medical services from the BCB medical department as active national players. The board will also arrange health insurance for the former captains and provide financial assistance for overseas medical treatment if necessary.
The event marked a rare gathering of Bangladesh's cricketing leadership, though several prominent figures were absent. Out of the 26 men and six women who have captained Bangladesh across all formats, only Rumana Ahmed represented the women's team.
Notable absentees included former Awami League lawmakers NaimurRahman, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. Also missing were Faruque Ahmed, KhaledMashud, and Aminul Islam Bulbul, key figures in the elected board that the National Sports Council dissolved last week to make way for Tamim's ad-hoc committee.
Tamim said that all former captains were invited, though he noted his attempts to reach his immediate predecessor were unsuccessful.
"I called Bulbul bhai, sent him a message, and then realized I was blocked," Tamim said.
Despite the absences and recent administrative turmoil, Tamim emphasized that the BCB will hold the cards for those who could not attend.
"I do not want to talk about politics or what recently happened at the BCB," Tamim said. "Your contribution to Bangladesh cricket is immense. Whenever you can, whenever you come to the country, please accept the card. We are all cricketers and we respect each other."
Earlier, TamimIqbal has announced a new initiative to directly engage with spectators as part of efforts to enhance the overall match-day experience in the stadium.
Following the dissolution of the previous board led by Aminul Islam Bulbul, the National Sports Council (NSC) formed an 11-member ad-hoc committee, appointing Tamim as president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Since assuming the role, Tamim has taken several initiatives, including increasing salaries for domestic cricketers and helping bring domestic leagues back to action. In his latest move, he revealed plans to hold direct conversations with fans to better understand their experiences at stadiums.
"We discuss whether players or staff are facing problems. But over the years, we haven't really spoken to our biggest stakeholders, the fans, about their experience," Tamim said in a video message.
"I want to change this. I want spectators to have a great experience when they come to watch matches and leave saying they enjoyed a wonderful environment," he said.
Tamim emphasized that the initiative will focus on every aspect of a spectator's journey - from stadium entry to seating, as well as access to food, drinks, and other facilities.
