Tamim makes himself unavailable for 2021 T20 World Cup

Tamim makes himself unavailable for 2021 T20 World Cup

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal through a Facebook video message has announced he is not going to participate in the forthcoming T20 World Cup in Oman and UAE.

The participating teams in the T20 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Oman in October-November this year, have to submit a 15-member squad and the list of eight coaching staff by September 10.

"Hello everyone. I hope all of you are doing well. I have a small announcement to make. While ago I spoke to our board president [Nazmul Hasan] and chief selector Nannu bhai [Minhajul Abedin]. I want to share the same with everyone. I told them I think I should not be part of the T20 world cup team and that I am basically not available for the T20 world cup. It has two-three reasons. I think game time is one of the big reasons. I haven’t been playing this format for some time now. Secondly the injury but I don’t think that is a big issue because I believe I will gain fitness ahead of the world cup," Tamim said in his video.

"The main fact that made me take this decision is that I have not played last 15 or 16 matches in this format and it will not be fair that I come into the team now and push out the guys who played in my place. I might have been part of the world cup team, I am not sure about it, but I think I would have been a part but that would not be right [for the other openers]. So I have conveyed my messaged to both the president and the selectors. You will not probably see me in this world cup but I wish all the best to the team for this series [against New Zealand] and for the world cup," he added.

"I want to clarify that I am not retiring [from T20I cricket]. Its just that I will not be playing the world cup and I think it is a fair decision. The young openers in the national team should get the chance as they have been playing for last 15-16 games. Their preparation will probably better than mine. At the same time I also think they will be able to give better service to the team than me."

Tamim requested the board not to consider him for the tournament as he is away from the format over the last few months and thought his inclusion may unjustly deprive players who are doing well currently.

"I will request all the media to not call me on phone or send me messages. I have taken this decision and I will stick to it. I have nothing new to say here. I have given you all the reasons [in this video]. I will hope that you will respect my privacy and my decision. There is no controversy at all. It is simply what I felt. Many of you might not know me as a human but those who are close to me knows well that whatever I do, I do from the heart. And my heart was saying that this decision is the right decisions and I think it is the best for the team."

"InShaaAllah I will try to play T20 cricket if there is any upcoming let be at home or abroad and make sure that I am in the game. We have a lots of games ahead, hope to see you all soon," Tamim finished.

Bangladesh are set to take on visitors New Zealand in the first game at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Wednesday.