Bangladesh’s top international stars Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, and Mustafizur Rahman have opted out of the upcoming edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) starting from August 18, citing national duty and personal reasons respectively due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Bangladesh’ ODI captain Tamim turned down the CPL 2020 offer to be available for the now-postponed Dhaka Premier League, while Test captain Mahmudullah decided not to participate in the tournament due to the family reasons given the COVID-19 circumstances across the world.
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Tamim told Cricbuzz on Wednesday (July 15): “One of the team approached me. But because of our domestic season, Dhaka Premier League might start soon, I opted not to go.”
While Mahmudullah said: “I have played in the CPL previously and have always enjoyed my experience there. The offer I got from CPL was very good for me. I was very close to signing with one of the teams but my family is my main concern, and they are also worried about me traveling during this time.”
Meanwhile, Mustafizur was to make his CPL debut this year, but the star pacer has given priority to his national duty commitments since the cricket can start anytime though insisted that Bangladesh Cricket Board doesn’t have any issue of him playing in the overseas leagues.
Mustafizur explained, “I don't know when our country's domestic and national cricket will start again. If the corona's intensity and severity decrease and the situation return to normal, the postponed tour or home series could start again now. I do not know when and without knowing it, if I sign a contract to play in the CPL, then it can be a big problem.”
He concluded, “My country is the first priority and has to play for the country. But if I give my words to the CPL team, then they will also have a problem. If they don't get me in the right place after making a deal with me, then they will have a problem and so I said no. Now I am waiting for the national team to start training.”
Noteworthy, the DPL might start from mid-August if everything goes according to plan, while BCB is also planning to call a national training camp from mid-August if DPL doesn't resume.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
