The England national team is ready to compete in three 'One Day Internationals' and three Twenty20 matches. The first match is scheduled to take place on March 1. Right before the series, there was speculation surrounding a clash between Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan. This raises a question about Bangladesh’s preparation and rhythm in the team before the BAN vs ENG ODI Series 2023.

Tamim Shakib Clash

Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal are two influential stars in the country's cricket based on performance and seniority. The environment of the team's dressing room also depends on them. Ahead of the upcoming England series, everyone is dreaming about the series win. But if the internal environment of the team is not good, it is sure to affect the match. That is why the Shakib-Tamim relationship is again in discussion. Board President Nazmul Hasan Papon has also opened up about this.

The rivalry between Shakib and Tamim has intensified in recent times. Both Shakib and Tamim appeared at an event a couple of weeks ago. But they were not seen talking to each other there, which did not escape the attention of Tiger fans. After that, the issue became a topic of discussion on social media. However, the relationship between the two is not unknown to Papon. He also tried to solve it.

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Speaking to sports media, Cricbuzz, the BCB President, said the Bangladesh team’s dressing room environment is not good due to grouping issues. And the clash between Tamim and Shakib works as a catalyst for that. However, BCB president Papon has spoken to both of them and understands that it is not easy to resolve the issues between them at this moment.

Nazmul Hasan Paonon conveyed that we don't know what is going on between them, but in the match or series, their personal problem should not affect the field performance. Later they both promised to comply.

The relationship between Shakib and Tamim has been quite bitter for a long time. They talk to each other on the field if needed. But it is limited to the field. There is not a word between the two outside the field. And Bangladeshi cricketers are also facing trouble because of this. However, Tamim assured that these issues would have any effect on the field.

Read More: BAN vs ENG Series 2023: Bangladesh ODI Squad Analysis

How Ready Are Bangladesh Squad to Face England?

Right before the England-Bangladesh series, Papon pointed out the grouping issue inside the Bangladesh cricket team. And this grouping is currently the biggest problem in Bangladesh cricket, and this is the reality. Other than that, everything seems to be fine.

This issue raises the question that whether the Bangladesh team are ready to give their best against England. Well, Bangladesh cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal is hopeful for a series win.

Left-handed opener Tamim did not directly deny the issue of his relationship with Shakib. However, he claims that it has no effect on the team. He emphasized that nothing else matters except what takes place during the game. ODI captain Tamim has clearly said that everything is fine on the field; it doesn't matter what happens outside the field. At a press conference prior to the England series, Tamim made such a claim.

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However, Tamim denies the grouping issue. He pointed out that whenever the team did not play well, some people rumored the grouping issue. But he didn't see grouping in the teams even 16 years ago. He didn't see it even 10 years ago.

However, he has not been with the team for the last 6 months. But he claims that he still sees everyone doing well and doesn’t see groupings within groups. Hence, the Bangladesh team is ready to face England.

To support his claim, Tamim talked about the result of the recent series of Bangladesh, as the team won most of the games. He also claimed that, When Shakib and Tamim take the field, if they both give their best, nothing else matters.

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Bangladesh’s most recent win was the series at home against India in December, although Tamim Iqbal did not play. Last year, Bangladesh won the ODI series against Afghanistan, South Africa, West Indies, and India, only losing a series against Zimbabwe. So, it is expected that the Bangladesh team will continue their good performance.

Bottom Line

Bangladesh's ODI squad has already started training under Chandika Hathurusingha, who is back as the coach of Bangladesh for the second time. However, Shakib Al Hasan has not joined the training yet due to a family issue. Although there are various discussions about the relationship between Shakib and Tamim, the two biggest stars of Bangladesh cricket at this moment, the impression of that relationship was not seen on the field.

Rather, Shakib and Tamim were seen talking or celebrating the team's victory at various times on the field. Even in the last match of the three-match series against South Africa in 2022, Shakib and Tamim hugged each other and left the field smiling after securing victory by the wicket.

Read More: BAN vs ENG Series 2023: England Squad Analysis

Keeping aside the Tamim Shakib issue Bangladesh team is getting prepared to face England in the upcoming BAN vs ENG ODI Series 2023.