Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh’s opening batsman, stated on Wednesday that he will be unavailable for selection for this year’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates. By September 10, nations competing in the T20 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United Arab Emirates and Oman in October-November this year, must submit a 15-member roster and a list of eight coaching staff.
Tamim had a knee injury during the Test series against Sri Lanka in April this year, and he missed the T20I series against Zimbabwe and Australia as a result.
Tamim, on the other hand, stated that he will not be leaving the format. Tamim injured his knee during the April Test series against Sri Lanka. He missed the T20I series against Zimbabwe and the home series against Australia as a result. He’s also not in Bangladesh’s T20I squad for the five-match series against New Zealand.
Tamim Iqbal Said:
“A while ago I spoke to our board president [Nazmul Hasan] and chief selector Nannu Bhai. I want to share the same with everyone. I told them I think I should not be part of the T20 world cup team and that I am basically not available for the T20 world cup. It has two-three reasons. I think game time is one of the big reasons. I haven’t been playing this format for some time now. Secondly the injury but I don’t think that is a big issue because I believe I will gain fitness ahead of the world cup.”
“The main reason that clicked with me when taking this decision was: I don’t think it would be fair on those players who have played in the last 15-16 T20Is that I haven’t played. I was probably going to be in the World Cup team, but I believe it wouldn’t have been fair on those players. I have conveyed my message to both the board president and the selector.”
“I want to clarify that I am not retiring [from T20I cricket]. It is just that I will not be playing in the world cup and I think it is a fair decision. The young openers in the national team should get the chance as they have been playing for the last 15-16 games. Their preparation will probably be better than mine. At the same time, I also think they will be able to give better service to the team than me.”
“I have taken this decision and I will stick to it. I have nothing new to say here. I have given you all the reasons [in this video]. I will hope that you will respect my privacy and my decision. There is no controversy.”
“Many of you might not know me as a human but those who are close to me know well that whatever I do, I do from the heart. And my heart was saying that this decision is the right decision and I think it is the best for the team.”
