The cricketing circles were abuzz as former Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal confirmed his imminent return to competitive cricket through the Bangladesh Premier League’s upcoming tournament. This announcement, made during a media briefing at his residence on Monday, November 27, coincided with his unavailability for the national team’s two-match Test series against New Zealand, which commences tomorrow. Moreover, the seasoned top-order batter will not be joining the squad for the subsequent white-ball series in New Zealand.
Tamim’s decision arrives in the wake of a contentious period in Bangladesh cricket. He previously announced his withdrawal from the recently concluded World Cup, declining to be part of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) ‘dirty game.’ This episode came after a series of dramatic events where Tamim not only announced his retirement but then reversed that decision, relinquished his captaincy, and purportedly refused a shift to a middle-order position in the team.
In his briefing, where no questions from reporters were entertained, Tamim shared, “After the World Cup, I felt that there should be a decision about my international future. Throughout my career, I have always kept myself away from indecision.” He went on to explain his transparency in decision-making and his recent conversations with the BCB president Nazmul Hasan regarding his future in international cricket.
Tamim expressed regret for the timing of this disclosure, acknowledging the proximity of the Test match. He emphasized the importance of this announcement not affecting the upcoming game. The cricket star divulged that he had a candid conversation with BCB president Nazmul Hasan, leading to a mutual understanding that would see Tamim resume his cricketing career with the BPL and discuss his plans thereafter.
Additionally, hours before Tamim’s briefing, BCB chief Nazmul Hasan expressed his reluctance to rush to conclusions about Tamim’s future based solely on one side of the story. The BCB chief underscored the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to Tamim’s World Cup absence, stating his intent to consult with various stakeholders before any decisions are made.
In another significant revelation, Nazmul Hasan confirmed that he would not seek re-election for the BCB President post at the end of his current tenure. Having initially assumed the role in 2012 and subsequently re-elected twice without opposition, Nazmul encountered an electoral challenge most recently. Looking ahead, he pledged to direct the team towards the right path and asserted his willingness to take stern measures to get the team back on track, even if it means making tough calls.
The intriguing announcement from the erstwhile ODI captain Tamim Iqbal has thus set the stage for his anticipated return to the cricket field, with fans and officials eyeing his performance in the Bangladesh Premier League. The cricket fraternity remains watchful as more clarity on his future in the international arena is expected to unfold post the BPL stint. Meanwhile, with the imminent departure of Nazmul Hasan on the horizon, Bangladesh cricket finds itself at a crossroads, both on and off the field. As the nation’s team gears up for its Test showdown with New Zealand, the coming months will be pivotal in shaping the course of Bangladesh cricket.