Published: 09:26 AM, 06 May 2026
Tamim vows equal treatment in domestic cricket
Tamim dismissed the long-standing notion of "committee teams," stressing that such practices would no longer be tolerated. -BCB
TamimIqbal, the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) ad-hoc committee has pledged to ensure a level playing field in domestic cricket, saying no team will receive special privileges during his tenure.
Speaking on the opening day of the Dhaka Premier League at the Bashundhara Sports City Complex on Monday, Tamim dismissed the long-standing notion of "committee teams," stressing that such practices would no longer be tolerated.
"There is no committee team now. It should not be a topic anymore. Since it was discussed in the past, opposing teams also took advantage of it," Tamimtold the reporters.
"Even when nothing happened, people would still raise the issue. I hope nothing like this will happen under me. Everyone is equal and should get equal opportunities," he added.
Tamim, who missed the opening ceremony due to illness, later spoke to the media and revealed concerns over irregularities in wage payments to cleaning staff working under the board.
Explaining the issue, Tamim noted that during series, third-party contractors are hired through tenders, and these companies often retain a portion of the payment instead of fully compensating workers.
To address the issue, he announced measures to ensure transparency, including requiring cleaning staff to have individual bank accounts and ensuring salaries are paid directly to them.
Contractors' bills will only be approved after proof of full payment is submitted to the BCB finance department, he said.
The former Bangladesh captain said his role now carries the responsibility to act on issues he had long raised as a player.
"I did not come here just to enjoy the position. For the last 17-18 years, I have spoken about these irregularities. If I do not correct them now, my previous words will have no value," he remarked.
Earlier, Tamim outlined an ambitious roadmap to overhaul the country's cricketing structure, just weeks after taking charge as president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Tamim detailed a series of initiatives focused on infrastructure, player development, revenue growth and decentralization of the game.
A key immediate step involves improving spectator comfort at Mirpur. The BCB has decided to install a canopy covering around 27,000 square feet in the general gallery, currently the most crowded section due to lower ticket prices but lacking shade. The design is expected to follow the style recently implemented at the National Stadium.
Tamim also revealed plans to explore renewable energy solutions by installing solar panels on stadium rooftops.
He noted the proposal remains at an early stage pending financial feasibility analysis. The most significant structural reform announced was the introduction of "Second XI" teams in the National Cricket League (NCL), inspired by the England's County Championship model. Each division will field an additional team such as Dhaka Second XI and Chattogram Second XI with matches scheduled over three days.
According to Tamim, the initiative could immediately create opportunities for 150 to 200 additional players. It would also allow underperforming top-tier players to regain form in the second tier while enabling in-form players to move up quickly.
"For too long, players from lower divisions have lacked a pathway to the top. This system will bridge that gap," Tamim said.
