Tamim Iqbal, head of the ad-hoc committee of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), has pledged to build world-class training and recovery facilities for the country’s cricketers after players chose to give up their bonuses in favour of long-term infrastructure development.
Speaking about the initiative, Tamim said the players made an unusual and commendable request by prioritising improved facilities over financial incentives.
“They deserve the extra payment, but this time something unique has happened,” he said.
According to Tamim, the cricketers told the board that instead of bonuses, they wanted top-quality facilities, including a modern gym and swimming pool, that would support their long-term development.
“They said, ‘Brother, we don’t need a bonus. But if you can give us the absolute best-of-the-best facilities, a beautifully set up gym and a swimming pool, we’ll count that as our bonus,’” Tamim said.
In response, he assured the players that the board would provide state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest technology.
Tamim said the upgraded setup would include advanced recovery systems featuring modern ice-bath and hot-bath technology capable of automatically cooling and heating water without the need for manual preparation.
“Whatever is needed, we’ll do it all. We’ve already started these processes,” he added.
The former Bangladesh captain also stressed that the facilities would benefit not only the current national team players but also future generations of cricketers, including those in the Under-19, Under-23 and High Performance programmes.
Tamim praised the players for thinking beyond their own interests and expressed hope that the development work would continue regardless of changes in the board leadership after the upcoming elections.