(Image Source: Reuters)
[Saba Sports News] Tamim Iqbal, initially named in Bangladesh’s 15-member ICC World Cup 2023 squad, decided to withdraw from the tournament due to disputes regarding his role in the team. Allegedly, he was asked to sit out of Bangladesh’s opening game against Afghanistan or bat lower in the order if he played.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) excluded Tamim from the World Cup squad due to concerns over his fitness after he experienced back discomfort following a match against New Zealand.
Tamim claimed to be shocked when a top BCB official conveyed the aforementioned instructions via a video message after the team had already departed for India. The communication escalated tensions, with Tamim reportedly using offensive language during a call with BCB chief Nazmul Hasan.
The decision to position Tamim lower in the batting order for the opening game against Afghanistan was deemed tactical rather than personal. The team management believed Tamim might handle Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan better as a left-handed batsman facing a leg-spinner.
Statistics supported the decision, as Tamim struggled against Afghanistan and left-arm spinners. He posted scores of 8, 12, 11 in a home ODI series in 2022 and managed only 13 in the opening game against Afghanistan before his sudden retirement.
Despite claims that the decision was unrelated to skipper Shakib al Hasan and coach Chandika Hathurusingha, tension was evident between Tamim and the management.
Tamim’s return from retirement after just 29 hours raised concerns among BCB officials, particularly about his relationship with coach Hathurusingha, who may have been hesitant to have an unfit player open the World Cup.
Public disagreements between Tamim and Shakib prompted the appointment of Khaled Mahmud as team director to maintain a harmonious dressing room atmosphere during the tournament.
BCB president Nazmul Hasan confirmed that Tamim and Shakib were not on speaking terms, despite his efforts to mediate their differences.
Shakib directly accused Tamim of irresponsible leadership for retiring during the Afghanistan ODI series, contributing to Bangladesh’s series loss. The controversy has divided the nation, making it challenging for the team to focus on their World Cup campaign.