Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has formally communicated to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), expressing his desire not to be included in the upcoming central contract list, according to a BCB official’s statement on Sunday.
Tamim, the former ODI skipper, had previously indicated that he would make a decision regarding his international career after consulting with BCB President Nazmul Hassan. Their prior meeting was cut short due to the president’s commitments related to the forthcoming general election.
Having last played for Bangladesh in the three-match home ODI series against New Zealand in September, preceding the ICC World Cup in India, Tamim featured in only one Test and 12 ODIs throughout 2023. The 34-year-old, after disagreements with BCB high-ups and team management, chose not to make himself available for the World Cup. Furthermore, he did not participate in the home Test series against New Zealand and the ongoing tour of New Zealand.
Despite this, Tamim clarified last month his intention to make a comeback to competitive cricket through the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League, the country’s solitary franchise-based T20 tournament, slated to commence on January 19.
Jalal Yunus, BCB cricket operations chairman, informed reporters on Sunday, “Tamim said he has his own plan and therefore he requested us not to include him in the central contract list.” He added that Tamim is scheduled to meet with the BCB president after the national election to discuss the next course of action.
The BCB is expected to finalize the central contract list by December 31, awaiting approval from the BCB president before its official release.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash