BCB introduces 'Captains' Card' with lifetime access, medical benefits to former skippers

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) introduced a "Captains' Card" today (16 April), granting former national team leaders lifetime access to all board events and comprehensive medical benefits.

BCB ad-hoc committee President Tamim Iqbal distributed the cards during a ceremony at a Dhaka hotel

Tamim, who received his own card from former captain Shafiqul Haq Heera, said the initiative was designed to honour the historical leaders of Bangladesh cricket and alleviate the anxiety many face when visiting stadiums post-retirement. 

"I am sure all the captains present here have felt a sense of insecurity at some point about whether they would be recognised, stopped, or disrespected if they went to the ground," Tamim said. "This has happened to me as well. The card is meant to remove that hesitation."

Cardholders will receive the same medical services from the BCB medical department as active national players. The board will also arrange health insurance for the former captains and provide financial assistance for overseas medical treatment if necessary.

The event marked a rare gathering of Bangladesh's cricketing leadership, though several prominent figures were absent. Out of the 26 men and six women who have captained Bangladesh across all formats, only Rumana Ahmed represented the women's team. 

Notable absentees included former Awami League lawmakers Naimur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. Also missing were Faruque Ahmed, Khaled Mashud, and Aminul Islam Bulbul, key figures in the elected board that the National Sports Council dissolved last week to make way for Tamim's ad-hoc committee. 

Tamim said that all former captains were invited, though he noted his attempts to reach his immediate predecessor were unsuccessful. 

"I called Bulbul bhai, sent him a message, and then realised I was blocked," Tamim said.

Despite the absences and recent administrative turmoil, Tamim emphasised that the BCB will hold the cards for those who could not attend.

"I do not want to talk about politics or what recently happened at the BCB," Tamim said. "Your contribution to Bangladesh cricket is immense. Whenever you can, whenever you come to the country, please accept the card. We are all cricketers, and we respect each other."