Follow UsEarlier this year, Tamim Iqbal was involved in one of the most controversial weeks in Bangladesh’s cricket when he announced his retirement. While it seemed straightforward at once, an intervention from Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, forced the southpaw to reverse his retirement decision.
Tamim returned to international action for the first time since the incident after a back injury had ruled him out of the Asia Cup earlier in the month. The southpaw revealed that he was ‘quite nervous’ before heading into the clash, with all the things that happened in the past.
"To be honest, I was nervous,” Tamim said in the post-match press conference. “Saying it was just another match wouldn't be accurate, especially considering the events of the past few months. When I went to bat, I felt the nerves, but they went away after the opening over.”
While Tamim did mark a return, he reckoned that there is ‘still a lot of discomfort’ in his back and added that the physio is working hard with him.
"It felt good to be on the field again. It was a nice feeling to field for 50 overs and bat for 20 overs but there's still lots of discomfort in my back. I'm working with our physio on it but the reality is, there's still pain,” Tamim added.
"Whether I was batting or fielding, I needed to spend time on the field to understand how my body was reacting. There were difficulties, and there still are. I'm contemplating my future course of action,” he added.
Mahmudullah adds to Bangladesh's squad headache
With just a week to go for the final announcement of the 15-man World Cup squad, Bangladesh cricket have a decision to make - regarding Tamim’s inclusion in the squad. While Tamim brings a ton of experience to the table, his condition is only best known by the medical team, who will be influential in decision-making.
“When playing international cricket, I have to give my best, and I strive to do so. It's not as simple as walking onto the field and playing, especially against a reputed bowling attack. I tried to give my all," Tamim added.
"The medical team will determine how best to handle my situation. Since this can't be completely resolved, we'll have to focus on alleviating it. I hope a suitable plan will be devised.”
It wasn’t just a show from one veteran in the second ODI against New Zealand, with 37-year-old Mahmudullah stepping up with a 49. Tamim reckoned that it never felt like the all-rounder was playing after a while.
"He (Mahmudullah) was brilliant, his intent was good and never looked that he is coming after a gap of six to seven months. He looked good in the field too, whenever the ball went to him he tried to give his best."
Bangladesh are yet to name their 15-man squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Perhaps it is going to be One Last Dance for the golden generation of Bangladesh cricket.