Tamim Iqbal left out as BCB announces central contract list; Shanto, Shoriful bag all-format deals

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, faced a rollercoaster of events in recent times. Despite his retirement announcement last year, which was quickly cancelled 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.

The inclusion of new faces, including Towhid Hridoy, Tanzim Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Naeem Hasan, and Nurul Hasan, signals BCB's intent to nurture young talent and strengthen the squad. 

Also read: Najmul Hossain Shanto named Bangladesh captain in all three formats

Bangladesh central contracts for 2024