Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal shocked the cricketing world last month by reversing his retirement decision, only a day after calling time on his international career.
In a press conference, Tamim announced his retirement on July 6 but the southpaw made a U-turn after Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s intervention.
Earlier this month, the 34-year-old stepped down as captain of Bangladesh's ODI side and pulled his name out of the Asia Cup 2023, slated to be held in India from August 30 to September 17.
The left-hander took this call citing a back injury problem after holding a meeting with senior officials within the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Following the recent turn of events, Tamim Iqbal feels his return to the dressing room can get uncomfortable.
"I would be lying if I say everything was fine. The major thing that came to my mind is that I can be angry with someone or an individual can be upset with me and it can happen but I cannot deny that today the position that I am having is because of cricket. Things were not hundred percent perfect and if I hold on to that position and like what I was saying if someone is upset with me or I am upset with someone and when you are going to such an important tournament and you cannot communicate well or there is some sort of uneasiness eventually it will have an impact on the team and I don't want to be that selfish person, that is the only reason I left captaincy," Tamim was quoted on Not Out Noman, a leading VDO-based cricket platform.
"I have not blamed any individual for what has happened and I always blamed myself. Internally what has been discussed or not should remain internal. Unfortunately in Bangladesh lot of things comes out in the media. Injury is not the main reason to step down but it was part of it and I definitely thought about a lot of things to step down because I felt whoever is leading, the management and everyone has to be in one floor. Whether we win or lose it doesn't matter but if we are all in the same level it is better for the team always," he explained.
Tamim Iqbal is confident of regaining fitness in time for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, slated to be held in India from October 5 to November 19.
"It's going good (as far as rehabilitation is concerned). I think the way my plan is set we are right on track I am quite happy with the outcome till now and I haven't complained about the back pain yet and there is no sign of major pain since taking the injection. There is stiffness for one or two days till now I am very happy and whoever is involved with the program (rehabilitation) like the new rehab manager (Kieron Thoms), national team physio Bayzid and national team trainer Nick all of them are satisfied with the process. If we can move forward well in that case the series that I am targeting I hope (to make myself available)," he stated.
Tamim is expected to train full-fledged from September 7. "I think from 7th (September) I can take part in a full net session and there will be no restrictions like I cannot do this or that like you have seen I was facing only throw downs on the opening two days and from now onwards I can use a stick for throw downs. The way it had been planned, everyday there is a tick mark there isn't a day when we could not do something for any reason apart from one day like I had some pain but that was in my calf.
"It's important (the five matches before the World Cup - three ODIs against New Zealand and two practice games) but for me what is important is to have proper 10 days of net sessions this is what I feel. Because I have played for so long I don't think match could be a big problem for me. Normally if I can do 10 net sessions properly before the first game I should be ok. It is very good that we are getting five matches and let's say if I play three to four games before the main event (World Cup) that is positive" he said.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
