Tamim Iqbal, unfortunately, will not be able to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup due to his ongoing back injury, which is unlikely to heal in time.
Simultaneously, he has decided to step down as Bangladesh’s ODI captain to provide greater clarity to the team and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) leading up to the World Cup.
Tamim is preparing for the upcoming home ODI series against New Zealand, scheduled for September 21. This series falls between the Asia Cup and the World Cup.
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Tamim decided to step down from the captaincy less than a month after he reversed his retirement from international cricket.
Tamim retired on July 6, but Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested him to reconsider his decision the next day.
Tamim informed the prime minister about his decision to step down as captain on Thursday.
Following this, he engaged in a lengthy discussion with BCB president Nazmul Hassan and cricket operations chairman Jalal Yunus at Hassan’s residence.
Tamim expressed his belief that injury is a significant issue. I received an injection on July 28, but the results must be consistent. I have informed the board about the problem.
I have always prioritized helping the team above all else. Considering this, deciding to step down is the most favorable choice.
I always strive to give my best as a player whenever the opportunity arises. I conversed with the prime minister, and she comprehended my message.
According to Jalal, Tamim has been ruled out of the Asia Cup due to a lengthy rehabilitation period. However, he is preparing for the October ODIs against New Zealand and the World Cup.
He said that he has been experiencing pain due to an injury in his L4 and L5 vertebrae in his back. He has been undergoing treatment for nearly a year.
He traveled overseas and sought advice from multiple doctors. He recently sought the advice of a doctor in London.
The diagnosis indicated that his pain originates from the L4 and L5 discs. He received two injections. The pain was relieved after the second injection, administered on July 28.
He has received advice to rest for two weeks, until August 11. Following this period, he will then resume his rehabilitation.
However, he can only return to the nets in another two weeks. We will be leaving for the Asia Cup on August 26. Returning will be very difficult for him if he undergoes surgery.
Given his current behavior, it is highly improbable that he will engage in such an action. Consequently, we anticipate his presence for the New Zealand series.
Tamim is hopeful for a comeback against New Zealand as well. He said that we had planned it in a way that would help reduce the uncertainty of the injection’s success.
I want to be in the best shape for the New Zealand series. Although we could rush it for the Asia Cup, we have decided against doing so. I am hopeful that I will be able to attend the World Cup.
In that particular situation, Tamim expressed that relinquishing the captaincy was a selfless choice. The journey as captain has been fantastic.
The results are self-evident. I informed Papon bhai [Hassan] that it would have been highly self-centered of me to continue serving as captain. Anyone who knows me is aware that I prioritize the team over myself.
Hassan was surprised at Tamim’s decision: “It is definitely shocking for us.” We were unprepared for this decision.
We must appoint an ODI captain for the foreseeable future until the World Cup. This decision should be based on more than just one or two series.
However, he requested an investigation into the way Tamim’s injury was handled, which initially occurred in November of last year. Tamim underwent scans in Dhaka, India, Bangkok, and London.
This is the first time I have seen a report from London showing he has a back problem. I instructed him to include Dr. Debashish Chowdhury, the chief medical officer of the BCB, in a conference call.
I became aware of the injury approximately four or five days ago. I became angry when I saw his report. Further investigation of this matter is necessary.
I hope this situation does not occur again. There was negligence. This situation should not have escalated to this extent.
