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Clad in a mustard-coloured panjabi, former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal walked up to the dais to address the media on the last day for candidates to withdraw from the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections.
With a smile on his face, he said: “I thought I’d wear this panjabi on election day…” His smile soon gave way to frustration and anger as Bangladesh's highest scorer in international cricket poured scorn on the electoral process, alleging that a “stage-managed election” had been arranged -- one that would remain a "blot" on the BCB, bdnews24.com reports.
Tamim had taken nomination papers to run as a councillor from the Old DOHS Club for a director’s post in Bangladesh cricket's governing body. But on Wednesday, he pulled out of the election.
At least 15 others also withdrew, citing government interference in the election process.
'THIS IS NOT AN ELECTION'
Speaking to reporters, Tamim said his reasons were straightforward.
“I don’t think I need to explain it in great detail. From the very beginning, I’ve been pointing to where this election is headed, how it’s being conducted. By now, all of you understand. Decisions are being made however and whenever certain individuals want. This… this is not really an election. In no way does it suit cricket.”
He added that many of those who withdrew were heavyweights with strong vote banks.
“This is our way of protesting -- we cannot be part of this filthy process. A lot has been said at different times in different ways, but at the end of the day, I believe we cannot, in any way, participate in this corruption.”
Tamim claimed there were others who had wanted to step away but were forced to stay in the race.
“Even then, if 15 people have withdrawn today, that is a significant number -- almost 50 percent have stepped aside.”
'CRICKET HAS LOST'
For Tamim, the damage goes beyond the election itself.
“You can win or lose in elections, but today cricket has lost completely. There’s no doubt about it. You speak loudly about stopping match-fixing in Bangladesh. First stop election-fixing, then think about stopping match-fixing.”
In recent weeks, Tamim had repeatedly alleged that a quarter within the BCB was trying to manipulate the election. On Wednesday, he refused to be drawn into details but said he would speak out further in the future.
“I think it’s already clear to everyone who has been involved, what kind of interference has taken place, and how rules were changed whenever and however it suited them. Who was involved is absolutely clear. I won’t say more right now, but I will definitely speak about this in the future,” he said.
“This election has become a black mark for the Bangladesh Cricket Board. I'm sure that even those participating in it know this isn't, in any sense, an election. I have nothing further to add.”