Tamim to miss the ODI World Cup due to back issues
Bangladesh’s star batsman, Tamim Iqbal, has been omitted from the 15-member Cricket World Cup squad due to ongoing concerns about his back injury. He played for Bangladesh in 2011, 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cup.
Tamim holds the record as Bangladesh’s highest run-scorer in ODIs with 8,357 runs from 240 innings. However in past few months, he has been in and out of the team due to back problems. He recently returned to the squad for the New Zealand series after recovering from back pain that had led him to step down from the one-day captaincy.
Although he managed to score 44 runs in the second ODI against New Zealand, unfortunately, his back troubles resurfaced, leading to his absence in the third game on Tuesday. His absense will be a big setback for Bangladesh.
“After thorough consultation with all relevant parties, including team management comprising the captain and head coach, as well as the medical staff,” Abedin stated. “We have had to make this decision, understanding that his back pain may resurface at any moment, and we cannot afford to take that risk.”
In July, Tamim initially retired from the national team during Bangladesh’s series against Afghanistan but later reversed his decision following a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He also underwent an injection treatment in London as part of his efforts to recover from his recurring back issues.
Abedin further emphasized the significance of having a fit Tamim in the Bangladesh lineup, acknowledging him as one of the country’s premier batsmen.
He explained that Tamim was included in the New Zealand series to assess his fitness status. However, due to the recurrence of his pain, his participation became uncertain after the second game, which followed a rainout in the first match.
In its squad, Bangladesh has got some young and authentic openers, namely Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan. Litton has recently faced a period of poor performance, while Tanzid, who had his debut during the Asia Cup, is yet to deliver a substantial innings.
“Tanzid exhibits great promise as an opener,” Abedin expressed. “We must support and nurture his talent to unlock his full potential.”
Additionally, the selection panel has opted to retain Mahmudullah, considering that the seasoned player demonstrates both fitness and form that warrant his inclusion. Mahmudullah contributed scores of 49 and 21 in the second and third matches against New Zealand.
Bangladesh is set to kick off its World Cup campaign on October 7 against Afghanistan.
Bangladesh Squad for ODI World Cup 2023
Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan
