Shakib backs Tamim to lead BCB, calls World Cup snub a 'blunder'

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has backed Tamim Iqbal to do well as Bangladesh Cricket Board president if elected. Tamim is currently serving as the interim head of the board after the National Sports Council dissolved the Aminul Islam-led body on charges of misuse of power.

Entrusted with conducting the next BCB election within 30 days, Tamim has already said that he intends to contest for the president's post. While the duo have shared a strained relationship in recent years, Shakib had no hesitation in backing his former national teammate.

"I mean, he's [Tamim] just got elected. I mean, not elected, he's there to hold an election. And hopefully, if he becomes the president, I think he will have a long-term plan. And obviously, Bangladesh cricket will get benefit from him," Shakib told reporters on Wednesday.

Shakib also said Bangladesh's decision to skip the last T20 World Cup was a major blunder on the government's part, while expressing hope that cricketing ties between India and Bangladesh would improve.

Bangladesh did not participate in the last T20 World Cup in India, citing security concerns after the former government refused to send the team and instead requested that the tournament be shifted to Sri Lanka. Relations between the two neighbouring boards have appeared strained since, but with Aminul no longer in charge, there is optimism that ties could improve.

"I think that's a big loss [not playing the World Cup], a great miss as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned because we as a country love watching our players playing World Cups, playing matches," said Shakib. "We are a cricket-loving country and, you know, a country like Bangladesh not participating in World Cup was such a big miss. I think it's a blunder from the government side that they took the decision not to participate in that World Cup," he said.

"I think things will get better [between BCB and BCCI] and obviously effort should need to be made. And I think one or two series, if Bangladesh visits India or India goes back to Bangladesh playing the series, which I heard might happen in August-September, I don't know. If that happens, I think then the ice will break and things will get better," he said.

Shakib added that he was impressed with young pace bowler Nahid Rana and felt he should be carefully nurtured. "I think we need to nurture him [Rana] really well. He's very young still. I think he got a great head on his shoulder. But still he needs guidance. And if he's guided properly, I think he can be a great asset to Bangladesh cricket."

Shakib said he remained hopeful of returning to Bangladesh when things get better. Since the fall of the Awami League government, Shakib has been staying in the USA and playing franchise cricket, while hoping to eventually return home and play a farewell series.

"We'll see that later (when I can return home) but yeah, I think things will start getting better sooner or later. With time everything heals. So I'm hopeful that I can get what I want," he concluded.