Tamim Iqbal’s Appointment Signals Fresh Push to Repair India-Bangladesh Cricket Ties
The appointment of Tamim Iqbal as interim president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s ad-hoc committee has triggered a renewed effort to rebuild cricketing ties with Board of Control for Cricket in India. Under the new leadership, Bangladesh has formally expressed interest in touring India and has also invited India for a bilateral series later this year. The move is being seen as a clear attempt to reset relations after a turbulent phase between the two boards. Tensions had escalated earlier when Bangladesh withdrew from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 citing security concerns in India. The request for a venue change was rejected, leading to Bangladesh being replaced in the tournament. The newly formed committee, led by Tamim, has also been given a 90-day window to conduct fresh elections, marking a transition period following the removal of former chairman Aminul Islam Bulbul. Bulbul has since approached the International Cricket Council, seeking intervention over his removal by the National Sports Council. However, his appeal has drawn criticism within ICC circles. An ICC director, speaking anonymously, questioned the inconsistency in Bulbul’s stance, “It is surprising that the same president who cited government instructions to justify non-participation in the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, in complete disregard of a binding Members Participation Agreement, is now seeking protection from the ICC constitution against a directive from that same government.” The remarks underline the growing perception of a “double standard,” which has significantly weakened Bulbul’s case. Sources indicate that the ICC is unlikely to intervene, given the contradictions in his position. Amid this backdrop, the focus now shifts to whether Tamim’s leadership can stabilise Bangladesh cricket and successfully restore its cricketing relationship with India.
Miller’s Last-Ball Call Costs DC, But Gavaskar and Pietersen Back His Intent
David Miller found himself at the centre of a dramatic finish as Delhi Capitals fell short by one run against Gujarat Titans in a nail-biting Indian Premier League clash. With two runs needed off the final two deliveries, Miller chose not to take a single on the penultimate ball, keeping strike with Kuldeep Yadav at the non-striker’s end. The decision proved costly as he failed to connect on the last ball, and Kuldeep was run out while attempting a desperate single. Despite the outcome, Sunil Gavaskar backed Miller’s intent, even while acknowledging the alternative. “Yes, he was backing himself to hit the winning runs, but having seen the way Kuldeep Yadav nudged that ball for a single off the first ball, maybe he should have given Kuldeep the strike,” Gavaskar said. “He should have given the strike. This is all being wise after the event, but the fact remains that the way he had been hitting the previous over and that over as well, he believed that he could do it, simple as that. So you can’t fault him for that. He had the confidence that he could do it, but it didn’t come off because the ball that Prasidh Krishna bowled was an absolutely superb delivery.” Former England captain Kevin Pietersen also echoed a similar sentiment, highlighting Miller’s mindset in that crucial moment. “I think purely based on the fact that he thought that from that last delivery, he would guarantee to get one at least. And if not one, he would strike it out of the ground because he’s that good at striking the ball out of the ground. So that’s where his mind would have been. Does he want to risk Kuldeep or Kuldeep getting out?” Pietersen said. He further added, “Yes, they’ve tied the game, and yes, they’ve got the super over, but he thought from that final delivery, I’ll definitely get one. The worst case is one. I’m not going to miss it. Best case, I’ll get a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. That’s where he was at.” In the end, Miller’s confidence didn’t translate into the result, but the backing from legends underlined that it was a calculated call rather than a reckless one.
