(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which starts on October 5th in India. The side will be led by Shakib Al Hasan with Litton Das picked as his deputy.
However, the most significant news was the exclusion of experienced batter Tamim Iqbal. On July 26, 2023, Tamim had announced his retirement from international cricket but took it back a day later on a special request of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
It was speculated that Tamim would feature in the 2023 World Cup. He missed the Asia Cup 2023 due to a back injury but made a comeback in the recently-concluded Bangladesh versus New Zealand ODI series.
It was reported that the veteran opener was dropped from the World Cup team, but ex-Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza clarified by writing on his Facebook account that he himself opted out of playing.
“One misinformation that may have been spread is that Tamim has been dropped, but the truth is he didn’t want to be in the squad. There is a difference between being dropped and not wanting to be in the team,” wrote Mortaza.
“I think Tamim deserves this minimum respect. Now there would be the question as to why Tamim was not interested in being in the team. Actually, I have no answer to this question. Only Tamim can say this. Maybe he will say it someday, then we can understand,” he added.
Tamim on Wednesday disclosed that the team management wanted him to play in the middle-order but as he believed it will not work well from him and Bangladesh, he told them to better not pick him.