After several setbacks, including the ODI retirement issue and a back ailment, Tamim made a comeback in ODIs in the final New Zealand series, which ended yesterday. He played two games there before requesting a break for the third ODI, which was also granted. But the break got him into trouble since the board didn’t take it lightly, and finally, Tamim was left off the World Cup Squad roster.
Tamim Iqbal, a former captain of Bangladesh, explains why he decided not to join the World Cup squad, saying that he was ready to participate in every game. He claimed that the media’s claims that he wanted to play no more than five matches were completely untrue. Tamim also claims that, despite having back stiffness, he is not hurt right now. In addition, he was instructed to play in the lower middle order against Afghanistan in the opening World Cup game, which shocked and infuriated Tamim.
Tamim on World Cup Squad:
After several setbacks, including the ODI retirement issue and a back ailment, Tamim made a comeback in ODIs in the final New Zealand series, which ended yesterday. He played two games there before requesting a break for the third ODI, which was also granted. But the break got him into trouble since the board didn’t take it lightly, and finally, Tamim was left off the World Cup roster. There were numerous allegations that Tamim was not selected for the team because he intended to play only 5 games. A 12-minute video by Tamim contains a detailed explanation of every incident.
Tamim denied the media rumours, stating that the actual events were very different from what had been reported during the previous few days. He said, “Let me describe what occurred in detail. As you are all aware, I retired for a cause. After I changed my mind at the Prime Minister’s urging, I battled mightily over the course of the following two months to get in shape. There was never a session or workout that the physio and trainers requested that I didn’t finish, according to everyone who had been with me. I was not mentally satisfied when the game (New Zealand series) ended.”
Tamim drops the truth:
He further added, “If you apply what has occurred over the past four to five months to your own life, you can see that it is not an easy thing to do. After the game [against New Zealand], I was ecstatic. The events of the previous four to five months were largely forgotten. I was excited to compete in the World Cup. Pain is expected if you resume playing after such a long break. My experience was the same. After the initial match, there was some discomfort. The following game saw it happen. I informed the physio about my problem following the game. Three selectors entered the changing room at that precise moment.”
Tamim said, “I never, at any time, told anyone that I could not play more than 5 matches. I never, at any time, gave the condition of playing 5 matches. It never took place. This was also resolved by Nannu Bhai yesterday. I’m not sure how or who introduced these erroneous, incorrect statements to the media. This is wholly untrue. My body will look like this, I assured the selectors. Consider this before selecting a team. I didn’t want any more commotion. I was quite honest when I informed the selectors of my fitness concerns. Injury did not significantly affect my decision to attend the World Cup. I may be in agony, but I haven’t been hurt yet.”
Tamim on Bangladesh Cricket Board:
Tamim further disclosed that a senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official had advised him to bat in the middle of the order even if he did play in the match against Afghanistan. He continued, “One or two days after that, I received a call from a senior BCB official telling me that we would be managing my game in the World Cup. Therefore, it would be best to skip the opening game [against Afghanistan].”
The opportunity to bat in the middle order was then granted to him. Tamim declined it and withdrew from the World Cup instead. He confessed, “I was stunned. Yeah, but there are still 12–13 days left. I’ll be in better shape by then, so why not participate? Once you start playing, we’ll bat you down the order, the top BCB official remarked. You should all be reminded of my mental state, of course. I had a good inning [a 44-run inning against New Zealand], I was content, and then all of a sudden, these things happened. I was unable to take them all at once.”
Moreover, he added, “I have spent the last 17 years batting in the opening spot. In my entire life, I have never sat at third or fourth base. If it’s like this, it can be adjusted if I bat at No. 3 or 4. I have never batted at the No. 3, 4, or 5 position. So it stands to reason that I didn’t take it well. I was also agitated since I disliked the item. Also, I had the impression that I was continually being pulled back. I had that impression.”
Last Word:
He adds, “Then I replied, ‘Don’t send me to the World Cup if you people have this kind of thinking. I don’t want to play this dirty game where I constantly have to deal with fresh challenges. Please don’t pick me for the World Cup because I can’t accept all of these.”
Tamim concludes by saying, “In my opinion, if you genuinely want me, give me the freedom and happiness I deserve mentally. since I just got over a very horrible three to four months. At the time, it was quite difficult for me. I might agree if it were presented in a different way. But for no apparent reason, I received a call telling me that I would have to bat lower in the order if I played in the match against Afghanistan. I’m not sure how fair it is at all! Therefore, this is exactly what took place.”
It is noteworthy that Bangladesh travelled today for India in preparation for the ODI World Cup, where their first assignment is the exhibition match against Sri Lanka on September 29.
So, this was all about Tamim Iqbal being excluded from the World Cup Squad 2023. Also read, After Gold win, Smriti Mandhana & boyfriend pic goes viral.
