Tamim Iqbal left out as Bangladesh Cricket Board announces central contract list

The uncertainty surrounding Tamim Iqbal’s future in Bangladesh cricket has grown after his absence from the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) central contracts list for 2024. While emerging talents like Shoriful Islam and newly-appointed captain Najmul Hossain Shanto have secured all-format deals, Tamim’s omission has raised questions about his ongoing role in the national team.

Tamim, one of Bangladesh’s most prominent cricketers, recently faced a rollercoaster of events. Despite his retirement announcement last year, which was quickly canceled after intervention from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, his relationship with the BCB remained more challenging. Although, he gave up captaincy and expressed intentions to play in the World Cup.

BCB announces central contracts list for 2024

The 2024 central contracts list announced by the BCB includes 21 cricketers. Taskin Ahmed, who once held a triple contract, now has only ODIs and T20Is contracts, following a shoulder injury sustained during the previous 50-over World Cup in India.

Notably, Tamim’s absence from the list, alongside Ebadot Hossain, Afif Hossain, and Mosaddek Hossain, raises doubts about their immediate future in the national setup. Meanwhile, the BCB also accepted the first-class cricketers’ salary contracts for 2024, with 85 players awarded contracts.

Including new faces, Towhid Hridoy, Tanzim Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Naeem Hasan, and Nurul Hasan, signals BCB’s intent to nurture young talent and strengthen the squad.

Bangladesh central contracts for 2024

All formats: Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Shoriful Islam

Tests and ODIs: Mushfiqur Rahim

ODIs and T20Is: Taskin Ahmed, Towhid Hridoy, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud

Only Tests: Mominul Hoque, Taijul Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Khaled Ahmed, Naeem Hasan

Only ODIs: Mahmudullah, Tanzim Hasan

Only T20Is: Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Nurul Hasan