Bangladesh Captain Shanto Criticizes Own Board, Publicly Supports Tamim Iqbal

The Bangladesh cricket team is currently engulfed in controversy as the board’s reluctance to send players to India has created uncertainty and affected the players’ mental well-being. Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has openly expressed his concerns about the situation, while also defending former captain Tamim Iqbal against criticism.

Mental Health of Players Under Strain
Speaking to reporters in Dhaka, Shanto highlighted that the ongoing uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation in next month’s T20 World Cup in India is taking a toll on players’ mental health. “The team is managing the situation as if everything is fine,” he said. “But this has definitely affected the players behind the scenes.”

Shanto also criticized BCB director Najmul Islam for calling Tamim Iqbal an “agent of India” during the dispute. Tamim had advocated for a calm and pragmatic approach to resolve the standoff, which Shanto fully supports. “It was very painful to hear such remarks about a cricketer who is not only a former captain but, in my opinion, one of Bangladesh’s most successful players. Every player, whether past or present, deserves respect,” he said.

World Cup Participation Controversy
The controversy arose when the Bangladesh Cricket Board requested the ICC to move the team’s matches out of India, citing security concerns. Shanto acknowledged the challenges, saying, “Before every World Cup, there is always some issue. With my experience in three World Cups, I can say it affects us, but we try to remain professional and focus on our performance. This is not easy.”

He emphasized that despite disruptions, players try to give their best for the team. “Of course, it would be better if these issues didn’t exist, but much of this is beyond our control. Regardless of the circumstances, our priority must be to play well and contribute to the team,” Shanto said.

Team Focus Ahead of the T20 World Cup
Bangladesh is scheduled to play four matches in India—three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai—starting February 7, 2026. Shanto stressed that the team’s mindset should remain on giving their best for Bangladesh, wherever the matches are played.

Shanto concluded by reiterating the need for respect and support for all players from the board, likening it to parental guidance: “If a parent wants to correct something, it’s done privately, not in public. Similarly, we expect the board, which is meant to protect the players, to act with respect. I completely reject such unacceptable public comments as a player.”