Bangladesh’s left-handed batsman Tamim Iqbal has stepped down from the captaincy of the ODI team due to a back injury and will not participate in the upcoming Asia Cup. Last month, after a loss against Afghanistan, Tamim Iqbal had suddenly announced his retirement. However, a day later, he reconsidered his decision to retire on the advice of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
After a meeting with senior officials of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday, Tamim said, “I have informed them that I am stepping down as the captain of the Bangladesh ODI team. I have given the reason for my decision, which is the back injury.”
He added, “I have taken injections for it. I have discussed my problems with them. I have always thought about the team first, and stepping down from captaincy is the best decision considering that.”
Jalal Yunus, the Director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, said, “He has been under treatment for almost a year now. He is experiencing pain from L4 and L5 discs. He was given two injections. He consulted several doctors and recently went to London, where it was found that he had injuries in L4 and L5. The second injection given on July 28 has provided him relief from pain.”
He has been advised to rest for two weeks until August 11, after which he will resume his rehabilitation, and he might return to the nets in the next two weeks.
Yunus further stated, “If Tamim undergoes surgery, it will be difficult for him to make a quick return. Now, we have to select a new ODI captain until the World Cup.”