Tamim Iqbal, the former captain of Bangladesh, has started his rehabilitation program with the goal of making a comeback to competitive cricket ahead of the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to take place in India later this year.
On Wednesday morning, Tamim visited the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium and commenced his rehabilitation in accordance with the advice of the experts overseeing his recovery from injuries.
Having battled a back injury for an extended period, the star batsman's chances of participating in the Asia Cup later this month have been effectively dashed. He is also sidelined for the home series against New Zealand, which will take place just prior to the World Cup.
Shakib preferred to replace Tamim as ODI captain
Beyond these setbacks, the injury and the subsequent turmoil prompted Tamim to abruptly retire from international cricket last month. However, following intervention by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Tamim reversed his retirement decision and committed to continuing his representation for the Tigers.
Unfortunately, the injury has resurfaced as it did earlier too, compelling him to step down from Bangladesh’s ODI captaincy.
Upon announcing his resignation from captaincy, Nazmul Hasan, President of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), expressed hopes for Tamim's return ahead of the World Cup.
Tamim steps down as Bangladesh ODI captain
Tamim himself echoed this aspiration, expressing his desire to make a comeback before the marquee cricket event.
"I could have participated in the Asia Cup if I chose to," Tamim affirmed while explaining his decision to relinquish the captaincy. "However, that would have been self-centered at the expense of the team. Considering the team's future, I have opted to step down from the captaincy," he said.