BCB director under fire for calling Tamim Iqbal ‘Indian agent’

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) finance committee chairman M Nazmul Islam has come under fire after accusing former national captain Tamim Iqbal of being an "Indian agent."

The remarks came after Tamim, in a recent interview, suggested that the BCB should prioritise cricket above all else before making a final decision on Bangladesh's participation in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 . 

His comments followed the BCB's decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns, after the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad.

Nazmul's post on Facebook quickly drew widespread backlash, with screenshots circulating across social media. 

In it, he wrote: "This time, the people of Bangladesh witnessed, with their own eyes, the emergence of yet another proven Indian agent."

The Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) condemned the remarks on Friday, calling them "utterly unacceptable" and demanding a public apology from the board director.

"A comment made by BCB director M Nazmul Islam regarding former national captain Tamim Iqbal has shocked and outraged us. Such a remark about the most successful opener in Bangladesh's history, who served the country for 16 years, is condemnable," CWAB said in a statement.

The association emphasised that public accusations against any cricketer are "insulting to the entire cricketing community" and questioned the professionalism and code of conduct of board officials. 

CWAB confirmed that it had submitted a protest letter to the BCB president demanding accountability and a public apology.

Several Bangladesh cricketers also voiced their displeasure on social media. Spinner Taijul Islam said, "I am shocked by the statement made by BCB director M Nazmul Islam regarding former national captain Tamim Iqbal. Such words are tasteless, completely unacceptable, and contrary to our cricketing culture. I strongly demand a public apology and appropriate accountability."

Mominul Haque described the remark as "insulting to the country's cricketing community" and criticised the board director for showing a lack of basic decorum. 

Taskin Ahmed echoed these concerns, saying that such statements "will not help Bangladesh cricket move forward" and called for responsible conduct from officials.

Later on Friday, Nazmul clarified in a Facebook post that his comments reflected his personal opinion. 

He wrote, "A legendary cricketer who scored 15,000 international runs for Bangladesh is now batting in favour of India. This is purely my personal opinion. Please do not take this comment in any other way."