BCB unveils lifetime 'Captains Card' to honor Bangladesh skippers with exclusive benefits

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has introduced a lifetime "Captains Card" for current and former national team captains.

The initiative, led by former national captain and current BCB ad-hoc body head Tamim Iqbal, was unveiled at a ceremony in a city hotel. Tamim described it as a "small but meaningful step" toward recognizing the captains' efforts and contributions to cricket in Bangladesh.

The card offers a range of benefits to 33 captains—27 from the men's team and six from the women's team—who have led Bangladesh across formats since 1977. A total of 21 recipients attended the event in person.

In his speech, Tamim addressed past issues of recognition and access faced by players.

"There was always an insecurity—what if I go to the ground and I'm not recognised, or stopped at the gate? Will my respect be maintained? I have felt this myself at times, and I'm sure many of you have as well," he said. "I don't want to see a Bangladesh captain making a phone call for a ticket or standing in line to collect one. As long as I am here, that will not happen."

Key benefits of the Captains Card include:

• Lifetime Access: Serves as a pass to all cricket events in Bangladesh, including international matches, ICC and ACC tournaments, the Bangladesh Premier League, and domestic competitions.
• Priority Parking: Guaranteed parking at venues.
• Health Benefits: Medical support equivalent to that of current national players, including 24/7 access to the BCB medical team and assistance with overseas medical arrangements if required.

Tamim emphasized that the card is an evolving initiative. "As the BCB grows, this card will grow. We will keep adding benefits and making it more meaningful," he said.

He also noted that he had personally reached out to several former captains unable to attend, including Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, Aminul Islam Bulbul, and Naimur Rahman Durjoy, to ensure they receive their cards.

"This is just a small gesture of respect," Tamim concluded. "Your contribution to Bangladesh cricket is immense."