Need to rebuild relationship at the ICC with other nations – Tamim Iqbal

Bangladesh Cricket Board's interim head, Tamim Iqbal, is preparing for the next BCB election, scheduled on June 7. A day before the election, the former national captain, who is the front-runner to get elected as BCB president, sat with Cricbuzz to discuss his journey so far and plans to bring trust among different stakeholders. He also cleared his stance regarding allegations of leading a political board.

How confident are you for the upcoming elections?

Tamim: I am confident, but also a little nervous because anything can happen in an election. I am confident that the minimum time I have got as president and the work I've done, or the changes I've brought, people have appreciated. My main goal, the long-term vision, and what I really want to achieve for Bangladesh cricket—those weren't possible in these two months. But I am confident. Yesterday we had an event, and the response from all the councillors gave me a lot of confidence that I hope the election will go the right way for me.

If I asked you to judge your own performance in these two months out of 10, how much would you rate yourself?

Tamim: I don't think I should give a rating. But I've done whatever was required in these two months. The best thing I've done is to hold an election a month before. Within our 90-day window, we're completing the election—I think that's the best thing. Some processes I've started which are absolutely necessary. Looking at it from all angles, I feel that I've just started working. If I get the post I want, then I will have a long-term, four-year time to make the real changes.

What is the most satisfying thing for you as an interim head?

Tamim: More than increasing salaries of players or benefiting them financially, what was a far bigger deal for me was that in one of the interviews I saw national cricketers saying that we are relieved. That's the biggest thing—an achievement for me that the players are feeling relieved, that they can breathe. I think they have been disrespected to the fullest. That shouldn't be the case. We are only here to serve them, to make sure Bangladesh cricket goes the right way. If a cricketer has to think about things other than their own performance—like what's happening at the top in the board—that's the worst thing. They should only think about their performance and how to win matches. To hear from some of them that they are relieved—that's the biggest thing I think I've achieved.

This realisation must have come from personal experience as a player.

Tamim: You need to understand why I wanted to come to BCB. There are a lot of questions. Why so early? Why so young? The people who know me closely know that my ambition for this started seven or eight years ago.

When you were a player you decided to become the BCB president?

Tamim: When I was a player, we used to discuss this. When we went on overseas tours, we used to train in certain facilities; we spoke to players about how things are going in their countries. After seeing all of this, we had multiple discussions—that this needs to be fixed, that needs to be fixed. So my plans started seven or eight years back. I thought that when I finish my cricketing career, this is what I want to do because I want to create change. I come from a financially settled family. I chose to come to the cricket board because I am always very thankful to cricket and Bangladesh—that's what has given me my identity today. Somebody has to take that responsibility. The complaints we've had for 8, 10, 12 years need to be fixed. Age doesn't matter. It's the intention that matters. I can be 60-years old and if I don't have the right intentions, I won't be able to do anything. I might be 35, but if I have the right intention and ideas, I can achieve my goals. My recent stepping away from cricket is actually an advantage because I know how the player thinks. For running an office, there's a CEO. I have a very clear vision, a very clear plan. I probably have three or four points and if I can get them right over four years, Bangladesh cricket will be in a much better position.

A lot of people are saying that there are not many organisers running in the election.

Tamim: Organising is not something you're born with. A lot of people here are involved with cricket—maybe not for 10 years, but for two or three years. There is a big vacancy of organisers. Cricket ran a certain way for 17 years, and then there was a revolution. When the revolution happened, a lot of organisers left. It's natural for new people to come in. It was open for all. Whoever felt they were going to run and serve Bangladesh cricket is there. We also need some young and fresh minds to take Bangladesh cricket forward.

There is an allegation of nepotism and that people are coming from political backgrounds.

Tamim: In this election, I have not called a single person. If I had done that, in today's world, it would be a matter of minutes before it came out. As soon as I handed over the election process to the EC, they were looking after it. I have not even met the EC. Whoever comes to BCB will see that I do not even use the BCB president's room. I want to make this election as fair as possible.

So it is not a political cricket board?

Tamim: It's an election. If you have certain things to offer, you can always participate. Who my father is doesn't define me. Somebody's father might be a politician, but he might have a very different aim in life. You should always criticise by giving them enough time to see how they are working. After three months, six months, if you feel the board is not going in the right direction, then you can criticise. If you think they are doing a great job, you should also appreciate it.

What would be your message to those who don't have influential backgrounds?

Tamim: Your identity—you should leave it outside the Mirpur Stadium. When you sit in the boardroom, you should only think about Bangladesh cricket, and your intention should be only one thing: how we can get better. If we can manage to do that, we shouldn't have any problem.

What's your plan internationally? You have to go to the ICC and build your reputation there.

Tamim: I think we have to build the trust issue first—with the international community and all international cricketing teams. Not participating in the World Cup wasn't great for Bangladesh cricket. So we need to rebuild the relationship at the ICC and with other nations and stakeholders—not just with one particular nation. We need to make clear why this has happened and start building relationships afresh. We have to leave this behind and move ahead. Bangladesh is a major stakeholder in world cricket.

What about relationships with India after all that had happened? Do you feel the scheduled home series against India in September will help rebuild trust?

Tamim: I think this will be a great start again. I haven't spoken to them yet. I know Mithun Manhas very well. If I'm elected, I'm going to speak to him. I need to convince them that they should come and we should start afresh. India vs Bangladesh has always been a fantastic series. Whenever India has visited Bangladesh, the series has been fabulous. Bangladesh fans eagerly wait to watch India-Bangladesh matches. If I get elected, whatever steps need to be taken, we will take them.

Tamim Iqbal is a very emotional man. How are you placed emotionally now in this new role?

Tamim: I think one thing has helped me a lot since I took this position. I am reacting and behaving a lot differently from what people thought I might do. I have left my anger and ego out of the window when I sat in that chair. I am making decisions for Bangladesh cricket—not for me, Tamim Iqbal. When I quit cricket, I made a decision that every decision I make now will affect all stakeholders in Bangladesh cricket. I actually think I have done that well so far. I think I'll get better and better.

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