Former Bangladesh batsman and interim president of Bangladesh Cricket Board, Tamim Iqbal said that if his role becomes permanent then he may end the Bangladesh Premier League in its current form.
Over the past few years, the BPL has been surrounded by controversies ranging from allegations of match fixing to non-payment of salaries to players and staff. Despite beginning in 2012, the BPL has never developed a lasting identity, with team owners changing hands like hot potatoes.
Recently, one player and four team officials were suspended for violating the anti-corruption code in the latest edition of the league. Now, even more people have been charged by the BCB with violating the anti-corruption code following the betting scandal that tore apart the BPL in December.
“If necessary, we will not do BPL” – Tamim Iqbal
“We will not do BPL for the sake of BPL and if necessary, we will not do BPL either,” Tamim Iqbal was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. “I think BPL is a great product. We can achieve a lot from here. But maybe we can’t.”
“If I feel that our thinking or our ideas are not good enough to make it successful, there are always ways to get help internationally. There are agencies that look after these things. If, individually, we feel that we are not doing a fair job, then we will try and get help.”
“A case of non-payment came to light 14 times in 14 years” – Tamim Iqbal
Tamim Iqbal talked about the issues that are currently plaguing the BPL, especially the non-payment of players’ salaries.
He said, “I personally am a big believer in the BPL. I think the BPL should be regular and done the right way, but the problem is the selection of the franchise.” “This is the biggest challenge, the biggest problem because if your franchise is right, if they are financially capable and if there are no payment issues, then most of the problems get solved. In 14 years, this one topic – payment issue – has come up 14 times. Money is not being received, money is not being given, this is a major topic.
He said, “Of course, there are many other things that go into it, but the best way to get this thing right is to get the right franchise and doing that is not easy, but difficult. But from the position we have taken, it is our responsibility, it is our job to bring the best possible franchise. So we will try to do that.”
Also read: BCCI announces IPL season of around 100 matches from 2028
“I am ready to bring foreign investors” – Tamim Iqbal
Tamim said he would also consider the proposal to approach foreign investors for his teams in the BPL.
He said, “I am a big believer in it (bringing in foreign investors), but it is important to have reputable foreign investors. If we can convince franchises from successful leagues around the world to come to Bangladesh, it will be a big step forward. Of course, first we approach our domestic corporates and then approach successful foreign franchise owners of other leagues. When such teams come, the value of the league automatically increases.”
He said, “Bangladesh is actually a very cheap market compared to others. Even running a full-fledged franchise here costs much less than other leagues. If done right, I think it can be really beneficial for everyone. Nowadays some corporate houses are buying franchises in many tournaments.”