Tamim extends self-imposed T20I hiatus
It felt strange. A day ahead of the start of the Chattogram leg of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Chattogram's homeboy Tamim Iqbal called a press conference to announce a decision that had been held close to the chest by the player himself alongside the board officials he had discussed it with in the past few days.
Tamim declared that he has opted to skip T20Is for the next six months and focus on ODIs and Tests.
"For the last few days, my T20 career has been in focus. I've held discussions with the BCB president [Nazmul Hassan], Kazi Inam bhai and Jalal [Younus] bhai. They wanted me to carry on at least until the T20 World Cup but I was thinking differently. After discussions between the two sides, I've decided that I'll not be thinking of T20Is for the next six months. I want to put my whole focus on ODIs and Test cricket for the next few months," Tamim announced at a press conference at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram yesterday.
There was no stark revelation to his decision. In fact, it would appear to be quite weird to even announce it since Tamim had himself opted out of the last T20 World Cup in UAE owing to lack of fitness along with his eagerness to let youngsters play without burden. In addition, he did not play four T20 series on the trot ahead of that World Cup last year, even though he did feature in ODIs and Tests during that period.
The issue of Tamim leaving T20Is altogether, had in fact come to a head after the BCB President revealed that Tamim had personally told him of his decision to not play T20Is. Then came the media fracas over whether Tamim was going to return to the side following his two fifties in his side Minister Group Dhaka's first two games.
"I hope in the six months, those who play do so well that the team wouldn't require me for this format. However, if after six months there comes a time when the cricket board, selectors and team management need me and I also feel that I am ready, then I'll discuss it. My decision is based purely on cricketing aspects. There are no scopes for controversy here," Tamim added.
There would be reflection on that lack of trust and issues within the team that have been brought up in the media over the past few months, one that took effect during the World Cup.
"The young players need time. If you lose trust after one or two series that is wrong. Six months would be a good enough time. Personally, I feel that I won't be needed," Tamim added.
Bangladesh will play eight T20Is during that period and it may very well be likely that top-order troubles continue. Tamim himself may feel he is not part of the solution going forward, but he has left things open; perhaps for himself but at least for the team management and the board.
Although the press conference had ended by then, the inevitable question was asked by a journalist present: "So are you really leaving altogether?"
Tamim did not appear to have an answer as he walked away, the scene at the stadium left hanging just like Bangladesh's troubles in the T20 format.
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