‘Felt like as if we saw each other after years’

Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal said that it felt like he met his teammates after years when the Bangladesh players were allowed to exit their rooms after spending the first three days in self-isolation inside hotel rooms since landing in New Zealand.  

Bangladesh team reached Christchurch last Wednesday and every member of the squad tested negative in their first two Covid tests. The players had to stay in self-isolation for the first three days and were only allowed to go outside the hotel in small groups for 30 minutes each day since then. And skipper Tamim admitted that he felt a bit 'weird' when they were finally allowed to get some fresh air. 

"It kind of felt weird the first time we were allowed to go outside for fresh air as we had to stay inside the room for 2-3 days. Then we were suddenly allowed to go outside and it felt really good to meet everyone. It felt as if we saw each other after years.

"We have a set group of four or five with whom we are allowed to go outside. So, there are many other teammates we have not yet met [since landing in New Zealand]. So, it's a bit different and challenging," said Tamim to BCB in a recorded video message today. 

The players will undergo one more Covid test tomorrow and upon returning negative results, they will be allowed to use the gym in small groups after that. 

"If we return negative Covid-19 tests tomorrow then probably we will be able to use gym from the day after. There are two gyms [in the hotel] where we can go in separate groups and use. And if everything stays normal then from the eighth day we will be allowed to practice in small groups on the field. That's what I am looking forward to as it feels like it has been a long time [since we had practice sessions]. Hopefully, our focus will completely turn to cricket once we start practicing," added Tamim.

Players have been provided some gym equipment by the BCB and they also have exercise bikes inside their rooms which they use for doing BCB-suggested free-hand exercises and cycling. Apart from doing the routined exercises, Tamim also explained how he has been spending time during the ongoing 14-day mandatory quarantine. 

"Luckily, we have cycle [for gym] inside the room and we have been given a number of gym equipment like bands by the BCB and we can do free-hand exercise and do cycling inside the room. Apart from that, I am actually passing time by watching Netflix, Amazon Prime and by sleeping as we are not allowed to exit our rooms and meet others," said the left-handed opener.