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Bangladesh have suffered a big blow as star batter Tamim Iqbal has stepped down from ODI captaincy his back injury ruled him out of the imminent Asia Cup 2023. The marquee tournament is slated to played between August 31 and September 2 in Pakistan and Sri Lanka respectively.
Tamim, the 34-year-old cricket veteran, had earlier caused a stir when he declared his retirement from ODIs during a home series against Afghanistan, only to revoke his decision a later. Now, he is aiming to prove his form in the forthcoming series against New Zealand, keen to secure a spot in the Indian World Cup squad.
During a press conference on Thursday (August 4) Tamim said,"I will step down as captain and concentrate as a player and try to give my best whenever the opportunity comes," Tamim said during a press conference on Thursday.
"I believe injury is an issue. I took an injection (on July 28), but it is like a hit or miss. I have told them (the board) about the problem. I have always kept the team over everything else. So keeping that in mind, stepping down is the best possible decision."
While Tamim had rescinded his retirement decision previously after an intervention from Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, but this time around the southpaw confirmed that he has informed her about the bold decision.
"I have spoken to the prime minister, and she understood," Tamim said.
Tamim's decision was also discussed with key figures from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), including President Nazmul Hassan and Cricket Operations Chairman Jalal Yunus. These discussions took place at Hassan's residence.
Tamim has been given two injections to alleviate the pain from the recurring injury in his L4 and L5 vertebrae (the two lowest vertebrae of the lumbar spine).
The star batter is expected to return to training by the end of August.
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