Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh’s most prolific one-day batsman, will miss the World Cup due to a persistent back injury. The opener had hoped to feature in the Oct. 5-beginning tournament in India. The 34-year-old announced his retirement from international cricket in July but reversed his decision after meeting with the country’s prime minister the following day.
The back ailment forced him to resign as 50-overs captain, and he subsequently missed the Asia Cup. Tamim returned for the home series against New Zealand this month but complained of discomfort, prompting team management to leave him off the 15-man World Cup squad managed by all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.
“We are all aware that Tamim Iqbal is a long-term injury concern,” chief selector Minhajul Abedin told reporters on Tuesday, adding that the player complained of discomfort after the first match against New Zealand. “We discussed it with the team management, and didn’t want to take a risk in a long World Cup campaign. It is a very important event.”
Tamim’s scored 8,357 ODI runs the most by a Bangladesh batter. He has played in 243 one-day matches. In his absence, Tanzid Hasan will partner Litton Das at the top of their batting order, followed by Najmul Hossain Shanto at number three.
Shakib and his men will reach Guwahati later on Wednesday and play two warm-up matches in the east Indian city before moving north to Dharamsala for their tournament opener against Afghanistan on Oct. 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
