'Don't want to be part of this dirty game': Tamim Iqbal after being dropped from WC squad

Tamim Iqbal has made the decision to withdraw from the upcoming 50-over World Cup, citing a dispute with a member of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and characterizing the situation as "unpleasant." Reports in the local media suggested that Tamim had informed the selectors that he would only play five matches in the World Cup due to his longstanding back injury. Tamim denied these reports, clarifying that the medical department believed he could benefit from rest and will be available for participation in the second warm-up match against England on October 2. 

3 things you need to know

• The 2023 edition of the ODI World Cup will be held in India from October 8 to November 19
• Bangladesh are scheduled to play their opening match against Afghanistan on October 7
• Bangladesh have never won a World Cup in their history and will look to make amend

Also Read: Bangladesh Unveil Their 15-member Strong ODI World Cup Squad, Former Captain Snubbed

Tamim denies reports that he wanted to play only 4-5 matches in the World Cup

In a video shared on his official Facebook account, Tamim said he received a call from a high-ranking member of the board who is deeply involved in Bangladesh cricket and was informed that if he participates in the World Cup, he would need to manage his back injury during the matches. Tamim further added that the BCB official then suggested that he skip the first match against Afghanistan on October 7.

Tamim expressed his surprise at this request, as the Afghanistan match was still 12 to 13 days away, and he believed he would be in better physical condition by then. However, he was then told that if he played, he would have to bat lower in the order, a proposition that shocked him as he had never batted down the order in his 17-year career.

“Someone called me from the top level of the board who is very involved with our cricket. He said that if you go to the World Cup you have to play the matches by managing your (back) injury. So, you better do one thing, don’t play the first match against Afghanistan (on October 7). I replied that the Afghanistan match is still 12/13 days away. In 12/13 days I will be in better condition. Why shouldn’t I play? Then, he said that if you play you have to bat down the order," Tamim said in a video posted on his official Facebook account.

“After hearing this I am shocked as I have never in my 17-year career batted down the order. I feel like I’m being forced to do many things. I said, ‘Look, if you have such thoughts then don’t send me. I don’t want to be in this mess. I don’t want to be part of this dirty game. You make me face something new every day. I don’t want to stay here’," he added. 

Also Read: Bangladesh Recalls Mahmudullah And Tamim For ODI Series Against New Zealand

Tamim made a comeback with a score of 44 in the second ODI against New Zealand on September 23, marking his return to international cricket after reversing his retirement decision in July. However, he faced an injury setback that caused him to miss the Asia Cup earlier this month. Despite the challenges, Tamim felt prepared to participate in his fifth World Cup and expressed his satisfaction with his performance in the New Zealand match.

(With inputs from AP)