Global Courant
Bangladesh’s top batsman will miss the World Cup due to persistent back injury; Shakib al-Hasan will lead the team.
Bangladesh will be without their most prolific one-day international (ODI) batsman Tamim Iqbal at the ICC Cricket World Cup after a persistent back injury dashed the opener’s hopes of playing in the showpiece in India starting October 5.
In July, the 34-year-old had said he was retiring from international cricket but reversed his decision a day later after meeting the country’s prime minister.
Bangladesh were the last of the 10 participating countries to announce their squads, amid speculation over Tamim’s fitness and the team’s captaincy. Selectors confirmed that all-rounder Shakib al-Hasan will continue to lead the side.
Meet the men in green and red for the World Cup. #BCB | #Cricket | #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/dVy9s4FijA
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) September 26, 2023
‘We can’t take any chances with him’
Tamim’s persistent back injury forced him to step down as the team’s 50-over captain, causing him to miss the Asia Cup.
“We had to leave him out of the squad due to his back injury,” said Minhajul Abedin, chairman of the national team selection committee.
“The decision was made after consultation with all stakeholders, such as the team management, including the captain and head coach, and the medical team. It’s clear that his pain could return at any time, so we can’t take any chances with him.”
Tamim returned for the home match against New Zealand this month but complained of discomfort, prompting team management to leave him out of the 15-man World Cup squad.
Tamim has scored 8,357 ODI runs – the most by a Bangladesh batsman – in his 243 appearances.
Bangladesh will play two warm-up matches before the tournament opener against Afghanistan on October 7.
Bangladesh squad: Shakib al-Hasan (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Tanzim Hasan, Mahmudullah.
