A major controversy has erupted in Bangladesh cricket after a senior official of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) made a highly derogatory remark about former national team captain Tamim Iqbal. The official, identified as M Nazmul Islam, chairman of the BCB's finance committee, labelled the legendary opener an "Indian agent" in a social media post, drawing immediate and fierce condemnation from the cricketing community.
The Provocative Remark and Its Context
The incident stems from Tamim Iqbal's recent counsel to the BCB regarding the national team's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India. The 36-year-old former captain, who represented Bangladesh in 70 Tests, 243 ODIs, and 78 T20 Internationals over a distinguished 16-year career, had advised the board to avoid emotional decision-making on the matter.
This advice did not sit well with Nazmul Islam, who took to Facebook on January 9, 2026, to launch a personal attack. "This time, the people of Bangladesh witnessed, with their own eyes, the emergence of yet another proven Indian agent," he wrote in a post targeting Tamim. The comment is believed to be linked to Bangladesh's earlier request to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their T20 World Cup matches away from India. That request followed the BCCI's instruction to IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the 2026 season without providing a specific reason.
Furious Backlash from Players and Association
The official's comment ignited a firestorm of protest. The Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) issued a strong statement expressing its collective shock and outrage. "We are stunned, shocked, and outraged by it," the players' body stated. It condemned the remark as "utterly condemnable" and unacceptable not just because it targeted a player of Tamim's stature, but because such comments about any national cricketer insult the entire community.
The CWAB has submitted a formal protest letter to the BCB president, demanding a public apology from Nazmul Islam and that he be held accountable for his conduct. "When a responsible board director makes such remarks on a public platform, it also raises serious questions about the code of conduct of board officials," the association emphasized.
Current and Former Stars Voice Their Anger
Prominent active cricketers were quick to join the chorus of condemnation. National team pacer Taskin Ahmed stated that such remarks are not helpful for Bangladesh cricket's interests and hoped authorities would adopt a more responsible stance. Veteran batter Mominul Haque was scathing in his criticism, calling the comment "completely unacceptable and insulting."
Mominul accused the official of showing a "lack of even basic decorum" and deliberately humiliating a senior cricketer in public. He joined the demand for a swift public apology and called upon the BCB to take strict action. Other players, including Taijul Islam, have also publicly criticized the remark, highlighting the widespread anger within the player fraternity.
The episode has cast a shadow over Bangladesh cricket administration, raising questions about the professionalism and respect accorded to its iconic players. The cricketing world now awaits the BCB's official response and any potential disciplinary action against the official involved.
