Tamim Iqbal Seeks Government Help to Ensure India Tour
Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal met with government officials on Thursday (July 30) to propose that they commence government-level communication to reassure their Indian colleagues that Bangladesh is prepared to host India’s men’s national cricket team in September.
During his visit to the office of Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the current BCB chief was joined by BCB Security Committee chairman Sayeed Ibrahim.
BCB president Tamim Iqbal acknowledged the meeting after Cricbuzz brought it to his attention, but he did not elaborate.
According to Cricbuzz, BCB authorities have asked government officials to engage with India about the visit, as they have yet to receive official confirmation of the series. India is slated to visit in September to play three One-Day Internationals and as many Twenty20 Internationals.
BCB president Tamim Iqbal previously indicated on July 29 that they are optimistic about the series but that there are certain lines he cannot cross, implying that the situation is beyond his control and should be handled by the government, if nothing else.
The projected Bangladesh-India series was originally slated for 2024, but was postponed due to political upheaval in Bangladesh. Although the tour was initially pushed out to 2025, it remained uncertain due to tight relations between the two cricket boards.
The tour has not to be finalised, but some in the know believe there is renewed hope that the six-match white-ball series in Bangladesh will go ahead, given recent geopolitical developments.
The Government of India recently announced that it has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the 18th BRICS Summit (to be held in September), which has sparked optimism among the relevant circles.
BCB officials meeting with government officials is noteworthy, especially given the date, since Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated on July 29 that Dhaka and New Delhi agreed on the need to reset and advance bilateral ties based on sovereign equality and mutual interests.
The news came after India’s new High Commissioner to Bangladesh made his first courtesy call to him. We both agree that our two nations’ ties should progress while keeping mutual interests in mind and, as I often say, on the basis of sovereign equality,” Khalilur told reporters at the foreign office.
When asked about India’s offer to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, the foreign minister responded, “We are currently reviewing it. “We will make a decision and notify you immediately,” he said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked his Bangladeshi colleague to attend the BRICS summit on September 12-13 as a special guest. Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and the UAE make up the group.
Meanwhile, the BCB has yet to finalise and submit the EOI (Expression of Interest), and sources suggest that while the valuation has been completed and submitted to the board’s top executives, they have yet to make a final decision. It appears that the BCB is waiting for a green signal about the series before making any decisions.
