Tamim Iqbal plans competitive return in Bangladesh Premier League after World Cup 2023 snub

Tamim Iqbal is planning to return to competitive cricket in the 2024 edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The southpaw hasn’t played any form of cricket since September 23 and was also left out of the Tigers’ World Cup 2023 squad owing to issues surrounding his fitness.

Back in July, Tamim announced his retirement from international cricket after which he reversed his decision following requests from Sheikh Hasina, the honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

On Monday, the 34-year-old Tamim had a chat with Najmul Hasan Papon, the BCB Chief, to decide on his future.

“I will probably start my cricket game from BPL. Then you might get an idea of ​​what is going on. I would never want to do this without another month, without another month. Dragging things unnecessarily... (I don't want to). I have already made my decision, after many discussions with



the board. They told me many things and I have to respect them too,” Tamim was quoted as saying to the media at his residence.

“Let's wait till January, let me play BPL then there will be more discussion hopefully let's see what happens. I would never intentionally pull the thing. I was hoping to tell you about my plans today. But the board president said that he would take some difficult decisions after listening to everyone. I'll wait for that and see what happens,” he added.

Tamim is not a part of the Bangladesh squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Tim Southee’s New Zealand.

Before the World Cup, Tamim came on Facebook Live and lashed out at the BCB for forcing him to bat lower down the batting order. In response, Shakib Al Hasan, who led the Tigers in the World Cup, said that it was childish of Tamim for not wanting to be flexible for the needs of the team.