Tamim Iqbal criticizes BPL's focus on concerts over cricket development
Tamim questioned the necessity of extravagant concerts and urged BCB to channel their investment into areas that directly impact the game. While fans enjoyed events such as the mega concert featuring Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, speculation arose that his payment exceeded the prize money for the BPL champion team.

Khan Mutasim Billah LifeEditor
Posted - 2024-12-29T18:45:17+06:00
Updated - 2024-12-29T18:45:17+06:00
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has undergone a significant revamp this year, earning widespread praise for improved organization and added fan engagement. With initiatives like trophy tours across three cities and high-profile music festivals, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) aimed to elevate the league’s popularity. However, star cricketer Tamim Iqbal has voiced his concerns, suggesting that these resources would have been better spent on enhancing the cricket itself.
Tamim questioned the necessity of extravagant concerts and urged BCB to channel their investment into areas that directly impact the game. While fans enjoyed events such as the mega concert featuring Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, speculation arose that his payment exceeded the prize money for the BPL champion team.
Tamim said, "Honestly, I haven’t seen anything extraordinary apart from the concert. If you want to create a different kind of BPL, you need to invest in cricket, not in concerts. It’s more important to invest in the tournament itself. Only then can we claim that BPL has truly evolved."
Tamim, who missed the concert but acknowledged its success, emphasized the need for structural improvements in the league. "Concerts have been held before, and they continue to be spectacular events. However, if anyone asks for my advice, I’d suggest investing in the tournament and cricket to bring real change."
Tamim elaborated on areas that require attention to enhance BPL’s quality: "The quality of cricket depends on how players perform, which organizers cannot control. What they can control is providing the best facilities, preparing quality wickets, and ensuring the presence of top-notch commentators. Bringing advanced technology and high-quality cameras is their responsibility."
He added, "Whether the game produces 200 runs or 60 runs is up to the players. But organizers must focus on delivering the best environment and infrastructure. Only then can we call BPL successful."
Tamim highlighted the need for:
· Better Playing Surfaces: To ensure competitive matches.
· World-Class Commentators: To improve the viewing experience for global audiences.
· Cutting-Edge Technology: Including advanced camera setups and umpiring tools to match international standards.
While BPL 2025’s updated format has been met with some applause, Tamim’s remarks reflect a critical perspective on prioritizing cricket over entertainment. The league’s future may depend on whether BCB addresses these concerns and rebalances its investments between fan engagement and cricketing infrastructure.