Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has asked the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) not to include him in the renewed central contract list for the upcoming calendar year, as per a BCB official.
This statement was made on December 24 (Sunday), following Tamim’s earlier announcement that he would decide on his international career after discussions with BCB president Nazmul Hassan.
Tamim Iqbal’s last appearance for Bangladesh was in the three-match home ODI series against New Zealand before the 2023 World Cup in September.
Following his retirement and the subsequent reversal incident in July, the prominent batter had conflicts with the team management and captain Shakib Al Hasan. This led him to withdraw from the prestigious event in India.
Jalal Yunus, the Chairman of BCB Cricket Operations, confirmed the recent development to the press today and mentioned (according to Cricbuzz):
“Tamim said he has his own plan and therefore he requested us not to include him in the central contract list. He (Tamim) is supposed to meet the BCB president after the national election to decide the next course of action. Till then we have to wait.”
The experienced cricketer participated in just one Test and 12 ODIs this year. Last month, he dispelled uncertainties about his career by expressing his intention to make a comeback to competitive cricket in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), commencing on January 19.
The BCB is expected to conclude the central contract list by December 31, subject to approval from the board president.
Bangladesh secured their inaugural ODI victory against New Zealand recently
After a disappointing 2023 World Cup, where they won only two out of nine games, Bangladesh has showcased noticeable improvement in their performances.
Engaging in a two-Test series against New Zealand at home right after the mega event, the Tigers secured an impressive 150-run victory in the opening game. While they appeared poised for their first Test series win against the Kiwis in the subsequent game, they experienced a hard-fought four-wicket defeat.
After losing the first two matches in a three-match ODI series in New Zealand, Bangladesh bounced back with a strong performance in the final game. They bowled out New Zealand for a low score of 98 on a greenish pitch and easily chased down the target in 15.1 overs, winning by nine wickets.
Bangladesh secured their initial victory against the Black Caps in New Zealand after enduring 18 consecutive defeats on New Zealand soil. The tour will conclude with three T20Is, commencing on December 27.
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