Former Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal has urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to tread carefully, warning against decisions driven by public sentiment as the governing body faces a crucial decision on the national team’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Tamim suggested that any hastily taken call could have long-term consequences for Bangladesh cricket, potentially shaping its trajectory for the next decade.

Notably, the BCB has written to the International Cricket Council, urging the parent body to relocate its team's matches to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in India.

“The situation is a bit critical at the moment, and making a sudden comment right now is difficult,” Tamim was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

“But one thing you must keep in mind is that many issues can often be resolved through dialogue if everyone comes together.”

The development follows the controversy surrounding Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s axing from the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Mustafizur, who would have been the sole Bangladeshi representative in the IPL 2026, was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 9.2 crore in the mini-auction last month. However, as reports of atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh increased, there was growing demand of removing the left-arm quick from the league.

On Saturday (January 3) morning, the BCCI confirmed that KKR had been instructed to release Mustafizur and the franchise obliged to the board’s diktat within a few hours. In the wake of this move, the BCB formally requested a venue change.

Tamim stressed that the decision-makers need to look beyond the immediate controversy. “You have to consider where Bangladesh stands in world cricket and what the future of Bangladesh cricket could be, and then make decisions accordingly,” he said.

The former opener emphasized that cricketing decisions should be guided by long-term interests rather than short-term sentiment.

“Today’s decisions will have an impact ten years down the line, so decisions should be taken by considering what is best for Bangladesh cricket and for Bangladeshi players — that is what I personally believe,” he remarked.

Bangladesh sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul has adopted a hard-line stance, publicly advocating a change of venue on grounds of national pride and security. However, Tamim was clear about the need to preserve BCB’s autonomy.

“We consider the Bangladesh Cricket Board an independent body. Of course, the government plays a very big role, and discussions with the government are necessary. But if we consider the BCB an independent body, then it must also have the authority to make its own decisions,” he said.

He also cautioned against allowing public opinion to dictate policy. “If the board feels a certain decision is right, then it should take that decision. Public opinion will always vary. When we play, spectators say many things driven by emotion. But if you start making decisions based on all that, you cannot run such a big organisation,” Tamim added.

While the ICC has maintained silence so far, it has reportedly sought clarity on the exact nature of the security concerns raised by the Dhaka-based board.

The global body is expected to take a final call and convey it to the Bangladesh board on Saturday, January 10.