Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has requested that his name be excluded from the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) draft, according to officials familiar with the process.

Tamim, one of the competition’s most successful and recognisable figures, has participated in every BPL season since its inception in 2012. The left-handed opener notably captained Fortune Barishal to consecutive titles, playing a crucial role both with his leadership and his top-order batting.

However, the 36-year-old has been away from professional cricket since March 2024, when he suffered a heart attack during a domestic match. He was subsequently hospitalised and underwent an angioplasty after doctors found a blood-vessel blockage. Since then, he has prioritised his recovery and well-being over a swift return to the field.

Tamim has also shifted focus toward cricket administration. He previously entered the race for a position within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) but later withdrew his candidacy, citing alleged government interference in the electoral process — a decision that prompted public debate about cricket governance.

By opting out of the BPL draft, Tamim appears to signal that he is not yet ready for a return to high-intensity cricket. His absence from the player pool is being interpreted as a cautious, health-driven choice rather than a definitive end to his playing career.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the BPL selection committee has received no formal directive to exclude players implicated in last season’s corruption investigation. Although an independent committee submitted a detailed report, the BCB has not imposed blanket bans on names involved, despite public and media pressure.