Dhaka: Former Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal has addressed concerns about a potential conflict of interest, following his dual involvement in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) 2024 season. Recently, reports revealed that Tamim would be taking on an executive role with the newly promoted Gulshan Cricket Club (GCL) while also captaining Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) in the same tournament. This raised questions, particularly as MSC and GCL are set to face each other in the season opener on March 3.
During a pre-tournament press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Tamim made it clear that he did not see his involvement with both teams as a conflict of interest. He responded to media queries by clarifying that while he is associated with GCL, he does not own the club.
“I am not the owner of Gulshan Cricket Club; there is a big difference,” Tamim said, responding to a journalist’s suggestion that he might have ownership stakes in the club. “You [the media] have created this narrative that I own Gulshan. I have only said that I am with the team,” he explained.
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The 35-year-old cricketer dismissed the idea that his roles with both clubs might be in conflict, emphasizing that leading one team while being affiliated with another is not an issue. “What’s wrong with leading one team and being associated with another?” he said. “If I get out early against Gulshan, will you say I did it on purpose? I don’t see any conflict of interest here because I don’t own the team.”
Tamim also elaborated on his role in bringing sponsorships to GCL. “I have brought in sponsors for them, at most, and that’s it. Personally, I don’t feel there is an issue. Not everything should be seen in a critical light,” he stated. He further explained that without sponsors, players could face significant financial challenges. “If sponsors don’t step forward, 15 to 20 players might not get a team,” he added.
The former Bangladesh opener urged the media to shift its focus from criticism to the positive aspects of the situation. “Think about it from a different perspective. Instead of always focusing on the negatives, consider the positives. If I hadn’t brought in sponsors and others didn’t step up, players’ payments would have been cut in half.”
Tamim’s involvement in helping secure opportunities for players like Litton Kumar Das also drew attention. Litton had gone unsold during the BDPL player transfers, but Tamim played a pivotal role in convincing GCL officials to sign him. “Players like Litton and Mustafizur are among the best in the country. It cannot happen that they don’t play in the Premier League,” he said, stressing that these players deserve a platform to showcase their talents.
Tamim highlighted Litton’s valuable experience and anticipated his positive impact on GCL, a team featuring many young cricketers. “A player of his calibre will bring immense value, especially to a young team like Gulshan. I hope the players will learn a lot under his guidance,” Tamim said.
Additionally, Tamim expressed hope that Mustafizur Rahman, who was also left unsold in the player transfer, would soon find a new team. Mustafizur was released by Prime Bank ahead of the transfers, and his participation in the DPL now depends on obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from them. “I hope someone steps up for Mustafizur,” Tamim added.
The DPL 2024 season promises to be exciting, and Tamim’s leadership at MSC and his involvement with GCL will be under close scrutiny as both teams prepare for what could be a highly competitive campaign.
