Before stopping match fixing in Bangladesh cricket, stop election fixing: Tamim

Rumours had been swirling for days, and today they came true. Tamim Iqbal has officially withdrawn from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections. Not just Tamim – several other heavyweight candidates have also pulled out, alleging government interference.

Speaking to reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur after withdrawing his nomination, the former Bangladesh captain said, "Before you talk about stopping match-fixing in Bangladesh cricket, first stop fixing in the election."

Tamim explained, "Around 14 to 15 of us have withdrawn our nomination papers. The reason is very clear. I don't think I need to spell it out in detail. It's now evident which way this election is heading.

"Decisions are being taken on whims – whatever seems convenient at the moment, that is being done. This is not an election. This has nothing to do with cricket, in any sense."

Tamim Iqbal withdraws from BCB election

So far, along with Tamim, others who have stepped aside include BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed's son Sayeed Ibrahim, BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury's son Israfil Khasru, and BNP leader Mirza Abbas's son Mirza Yasir Abbas, among others.

Tamim insisted that it was not just symbolic: "Those who have withdrawn are all heavyweights with strong vote banks. This is a protest. At the end of the day, we cannot be part of this filth. Bangladesh cricket doesn't deserve this.

"Those who want to run such an election may go ahead, but today cricket has lost 100%. There is no doubt about that."

"You all say loudly that match-fixing in Bangladesh must stop. First, think about stopping election fixing, then think about cricket fixing. This election will remain a black mark in Bangladesh cricket's history," he said.

Rafiqul Islam, who had been set to contest for a director's post on behalf of Indira Road Club, also spoke to the media after withdrawing.

Asked why the much-discussed government compromise had ultimately failed, he said: "We wanted a competitive election. In 2005, we witnessed such an election, and we wanted the same this time. This talk of compromise was just rumour in the air; there was no factual basis to it."

As of the latest update, 11 candidates have withdrawn from the BCB polls. From Category 1, Mir Helal pulled out; from Category 3, Siraj Uddin Alamgir.

From Category 2, the list of withdrawals includes: Tamim Iqbal, Sayeed Ibrahim, Israfil Khasru, Rafiqul Islam Babu, Borhanul Pappu, Masuduzzaman, Asif Rabbani, Mirza Yasir Abbas, and Sabbir Ahmed Rubel.