Bangladesh’s experienced opener Tamim Iqbal is expected to fully recover from a knee injury in time for the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman later this year.
Tamim is currently undergoing a rehabilitation program, as the opener had hurt his knee during the Sri Lanka tour in April-May and then subsequently opted for a lengthy break following the ODI series against Zimbabwe in July after the issue was aggravated there.
He missed Bangladesh’s historic T20I series win against Australia at home and will also be unavailable for the upcoming home 20-over series against New Zealand next month.
However, Bangladesh chief selector Minhajul Abedin and BCB chief physician Debashish Chowdhury are confident of Tamim's participation in the T20 World Cup 2021 given his recovery rate at the moment.
Abedin told Cricbuzz on Sunday (August 22): “I don't see any doubt. Tamim is one of the best batsmen in the country and there is no question about it. He will play when he is fit and he will be with the team. We are keeping a close eye on his development.”
Meanwhile, the team doctor Chowdhury said: “Tamim is recovering quite well. This injury required rest and rehabilitation. We planned it accordingly and he is responding to it very well.”
He added, “From the next week, he will start the skill session that will begin with some knocking at home and later (he will be) starting the net session. So far, he has completed almost five weeks and he completed the gym sessions without any complaint.”
Chowdhury concluded, “When he starts running and participates in the skill session, we can have a clearer picture of his recovery. But the way he is improving, we are confident that he will be available for the T20 World Cup.”
Noteworthy, Bangladesh will play Scotland in their first opening-round match on October 17 in Muscat in the T20 World Cup 2021.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
