Tamim Iqbal Addresses the Status of Former Captains Amid Return Speculation

The President of the Ad-hoc Committee of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Tamim Iqbal, has called for a broader perspective regarding the potential return of senior cricketers currently distanced from the national setup. During a press conference held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday, 30 April 2026, the former opening batter addressed persistent inquiries concerning the availability and status of Shakib Al Hasan, while drawing attention to other veteran players in similar circumstances.

Shakib Al Hasan has remained outside the country and away from the national team for a considerable duration. Despite his physical absence, the left-arm all-rounder continues to be a focal point of domestic discourse, with BCB officials frequently facing questions regarding his eventual return to Bangladesh.

Call for Uniform Inquiry Regarding Former Captains

In response to the focus on Shakib, Tamim Iqbal requested that the media and the cricketing community apply the same level of scrutiny to other former captains who face analogous challenges. He specifically identified Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Naimur Rahman Durjoy, both of whom are also distinguished former captains of the national side.

“From my current position, I have one request to make of you all,” Tamim stated to the assembled journalists. “For the last year or two, we have been consistently discussing one particular cricketer—Shakib. However, I would also request that when you ask these questions, you remember that two of our other former captains, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Durjoy Bhai, are in the same situation. Yet, there are no questions regarding them.”

The context of these “situations” pertains to the legal and political fallout following the mass uprising on 5 August 2024. Similar to several figures associated with the previous Awami League administration, criminal cases have been filed against Shakib, Mashrafe, and Naimur. Whilst Naimur Rahman Durjoy had an earlier political tenure, both he and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza served as Members of Parliament for the Awami League following the 2024 General Election. Tamim emphasised that since all three are celebrated former cricketers, the discourse regarding their future should be balanced and inclusive.

The BCB’s Stance on Facilities and Legal Compliance

Addressing the specifics of a potential return to the national fold, Tamim Iqbal clarified the boundary between cricketing support and the legal process. He noted that the board is prepared to facilitate the sporting requirements of these players should they resolve their external complications.

“Regarding the situation [Shakib] is in, from our end, any cricketing facilities or support—we will welcome them with open arms,” Tamim explained. He further alluded to recent comments made by the government, noting: “Our Minister has also stated that they would be flexible regarding the lawful aspects. From the Cricket Board’s side, we are always there to help with cricketing matters. If they manage to resolve those problems and return, we will welcome them.”

Institutional Continuity and Player Welfare

The Ad-hoc Committee, currently led by Tamim, is tasked with navigating the BCB through a transitional phase. A primary objective remains the management of senior assets whose international careers have been interrupted by non-sporting factors.

Shakib Al Hasan’s continued absence has created a significant void in the national team’s tactical balance, given his dual-threat capability. However, the legal hurdles associated with his return remain outside the direct jurisdiction of the BCB. By mentioning Mashrafe and Naimur, Tamim highlighted that the intersection of politics and cricket has affected multiple generations of Bangladeshi captains, necessitating a consistent institutional policy rather than a case-by-case approach.

As it stands, the path for these cricketers to return to Mirpur involves a two-fold process: the resolution of legal proceedings initiated after the political shift of late 2024, and a subsequent assessment of their match fitness and availability by the national selectors. For the BCB, the message remains that the “doors are open” for cricketing activities, provided the legal requirements of the state are satisfied.