Sports Reporter :
Bangladesh’s opening batsman Tamim Iqbal is all set to make a comeback to competitive cricket. He will be playing in the upcoming NCL T20 tournament, which is set to take place from December 11 to 23, Bangladesh National team Selector Hannan Sarkar confirmed on Wednesday.
“If he plays, he will naturally represent Chattogram Division. We’ll discuss how many matches he will play and when. Fitness tests are mandatory for everyone, and Tamim will need to pass it as well. This is a straightforward process,” Hannan said while speaking to reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
He is expected to play for Chattogram Division. “His participation depends on passing the required fitness test. We make considerations for senior players, but I hope he will qualify,” said Hannan
His last competitive game was in the last edition of the Dhaka Premier League, Bangladesh’s traditional List A tournament, in May this year.
Tamim Iqbal, one of Bangladesh’s most prolific batters, endured a tumultuous few months last year as he was dropped from the squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup. By his own admission, “It wasn’t a pleasant experience.”
The former Bangladesh captain, who amassed 15,192 runs in 387 international outings across formats, however, is not done with cricket yet. He will feature in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League, and the seasoned campaigner is not averse to considering a return to the international fold if approached properly.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed, recently had a conversation with Tamim and asked him to decide on his future course of action. “I have told Tamim that he is in that phase of life where he needs to decide his future. If he is fit, then why not!” Faruque had said.
He resumed practice at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium this week, preparing for the 11th BPL edition, where he was retained by defending champions Fortune Barishal.