Tamim Iqbal addresses conflict of interest ahead of DPL
What's the story
Former Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has denied allegations of a conflict of interest in his dual role as captain and sponsor in the upcoming Dhaka Premier League (DPL).
This comes after reports indicated that he would captain Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) while also being the team executive for the newly promoted Gulshan Cricket Club (GCL).
The tournament will start on March 03, with MSC playing GCL in their first match.
Here's more.
Clarification
Tamim clarifies his role with Gulshan Cricket Club
Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Tamim set the record straight about his association with GCL.
"I am not the owner of Gulshan Cricket Club; there is a big difference," he said, dispelling rumors of his ownership.
"You [the media] have created this narrative that I own Gulshan. I have only said that I am with the team," he added.
No conflict
No conflict of interest: Tamim Iqbal
Tamim dismissed any allegations of a conflict of interest.
"What's wrong with leading one team and being associated with another? If I get out early against Gulshan, will you say I did it on purpose?" he said.
He further emphasized his role in bringing sponsors to GCL but clarified he doesn't own the team.
"I don't see any conflict of interest here because I don't own the team," he reiterated.
Positive perspective
Tamim Iqbal highlights positive impact of sponsorship
Tamim urged critics to look at the bright side of his sponsorship role.
"If I hadn't brought in sponsors and others didn't step up, players' payments would have been cut in half," he explained.
He also defended his decision to get contracts for Litton Kumar Das and Mustafizur Rahman, who were left without teams after the BDPL player transfers.
"Players like Litton and Mustafizur are among the best in the country," he emphasized, underscoring their importance in the league.
Stats
Iqbal's 2025 BPL and overall BPL numbers
Iqbal finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the 2025 BPL season, amassing 413 runs at 37.54 for Fortune Barishal.
He struck four fifties at a strike rate of 129.06 across 14 innings and led his team to the title, scoring 54 off 29 in the final.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Iqbal is BPL's all-time leading scorer with 3,835 runs, including two centuries and 32 fifties across 118 innings.