Tamim says 'consider Bangladesh cricket’s future and interests before deciding'

Bangladesh former captain Tamim Iqbal said on Thursday that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) needs to consider the interests and future of Bangladesh cricket before making a decision regarding the T20 World Cup.

The BCB has conveyed that it wants Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches to be held outside India.

Tamim attended the trophy-unveiling ceremony of the Zia Inter-University Cricket Tournament at the City Club ground on Thursday, where he was asked for his views on whether Bangladesh should travel to India. The former opener urged dialogue as the best possible course of action.

"Since I am not involved [with the BCB], like any other regular person I am finding things out through the media. But I am sure those dealing with these matters have a lot more information. So in that regard, I should not suddenly be making comments. What I am saying, however, is that Bangladesh cricket's interest, future and everything else must be considered before making such a decision. There is nothing better than if something can be resolved through dialogue," Tamim said.

Tamim felt the issue is sensitive and said that rather than making public comments, the BCB should first decide among themselves the best course of action. He also stated that given the International Cricket Council (ICC) provides the majority of the BCB's finances, any decision should be taken with Bangladesh cricket's best interests in mind.

"What I feel, and I think I would have done the same if I were there, is that since this is a sensitive issue, before making public comments, we would discuss the matter ourselves [within the board]. Because when you make a public comment, right or wrong, it becomes difficult to step back from that position. Bangladesh cricket's future comes before everything else, and 90 to 95 percent of the finances come from the ICC, so decisions have to be made based on what will help Bangladesh cricket," he added.