DHAKA, Sept 26, 2023 (BSS) - Bangladesh left out Tamim Iqbal, one of the best batters the country has ever produced, from its 15-member ICC Cricket World Cup, due to the injury concern.
 
Tamim, the highest run-getter of Bangladesh in ODI format, returned to the squad for the New Zealand series after recovering from his back pain, which was instrumental behind his decision to quit ODI captaincy.

He also made 44 in the second game after the first match was washed out but decided to skip the third game due to injury concern. It was understood his back pain is back after playing consecutive two matches.
 
"Due to his back injury, we had to leave him out from the squad," Minhajul Abedin Nannu, the chairman of national team selection panel said.

"The decision was taken after consulting with every stakeholder, like the team management which includes captain and head coach and the medical team. It is understood, his pain could be back any time so we can't take risk with him."

The World Cup team was supposed to be announced in the afternoon but it was delayed and finally was announced at night. The reason of the delay was believed to be the matter of Tamim Iqbal as a lot of drama unfolded behind the curtain.

It is understood Tamim told the selectors to keep his injury concern in mind before announcing the team. He also said it is not certain that he could play all of the matches in the World Cup.

It is learnt, captain Shakib Al Hasan and coach Chandika Hathurusingha were not in favour to pick a player who won't be fit to play all of the matches.

Rumours were rife that Shakib could quit captaincy if half-fit Tamim is included in the team. Also it was circulated that Tamim wanted to retire from cricket after knowing Shakib's opinion on his inclusion.
 
Former skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza was seen to enter into BCB president's residence and it was known he had a meeting Shakib and Tamim yesterday night. Mashrafe was also seen at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today when the World Cup team selection process was going on.

However chief selector Nannu dismissed all the notion, saying that all of those speculations are baseless.

"We have also seen those issues circulating on social media. All those are baseless as we are concerned. Mashrafe is here to discuss with the BCB president. Why he will be in the selection process?"

Tamim retired from the national team during Bangladesh's series against Afghanistan in July but reversed the decision after meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He then took an injection in London as part of his recovery from the back pain but the doctors told him he would feel the pain once the action of the injection will subside.

"The injury issue is recurring for him. A full fit Tamim is a blessing for Bangladesh as he is one of the finest batters in our country.

Therefore we recalled him in New Zealand series, to check his fitness status. The first game was washed out, and he batted, fielded in the second game. Thereafter his pain is back."

Bangladesh called genuine two openers in its squad-Liton Das and Tanzid Hasan. While Liton of late has been going through a bad patch, Tanzid who made his debut during the Asia Cup, is yet to play any big knock.

But Abedin said, they would continue to back the openers, since they are capable of shrugging off the off form.

"Tanzid is very promising opener. He played well in aged level team. We need to back him to bring out the best of him," Abedin said.

The selection panel also kept Mahmudullah as they believe the senior player has the fitness and form to be included into the squad.

Mahmudullah returned to the national team after being dropped following his poor run of form during England his in March.

He made 49 and 21 in the second and third game against New Zealand.

"He was never out of the consideration. We told we would give every player an ample opportunity before the World Cup and therefore Mahmudullah was not selected for couple of series."

Bangladesh will travel to Guwahati on Wednesday for two practice matches of the World Cup on September 29 and 2 October 2 against Sri Lanka and England respectively before moving to Dharamshala for the tournament opener against Afghanistan on October 7.

Squad: Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Liton Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain (Vice Captain), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Tanzim Hasan.