Bangladesh Eye India Series in September, Says Tamim Iqbal
According to Tamim Iqbal, the head of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the board remains confident about hosting India in a white-ball series in September.
The anticipated tour, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is, has not yet been formally announced and is still subject to a variety of conditions.
In recent months, political tensions between the two countries have created concerns for the series. Recent reports, however, suggest that the tour may still go ahead if the prerequisites are met. Previously, when Bangladesh decided not to participate in the T20 World Cup due to security concerns, cricket relations between the two countries deteriorated.
“Unfortunately, I have no news about the India series. I am in talks with the BCCI, and there is an exchange of emails between BCB members, and we are attempting from all sides.
The enthusiasm surrounding Bangladesh’s series against India is palpable, I’m sure, among journalists, fans, cricketers, and everyone else. Bangladesh is a highly safe country, and I am hopeful that they will visit.
Whatever efforts are required from our end, we are attempting to take them. However, one thing we all must understand is that I am the BCB president, and there is a line that I should never cross,” Iqbal stated, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“So, from my position, I’m doing anything I can to inform people about the benefits of the India series and other such initiatives. Certain things are beyond my control.
So far, my discussions have been quite pleasant. They also need to make a decision. We may soon find out whether or not the series is happening. So we’ll know very shortly,” he said.
Iqbal, who was recently chosen chairman of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Franchise League Committee, claimed that he and Bangladesh are immensely happy to lead the institution that oversees franchise cricket leagues.
He was pleased with the outcome of his first ICC meeting, stating, “If you look at world cricket right now, along with cricket board members, there are many others who are associate members — 90-plus probably or 100.”
So other countries are likely to apply for T20 cricket in various competitions,” Iqbal stated.
“The committee has been formed to look into whether the process is being maintained or not, who is involved, who is not involved, whether we are going to approve them, or if there is anything going on in the currently existing leagues that shouldn’t be happening, or disapproving those leagues, and everything else. I don’t think I should go into detail, but this is a very important committee, and it will most likely play a large role in the future,” he said.
