By Najmul Hossain, the Bangladesh skipper, stated on Tuesday that experienced opener Tamim Iqbal had asked for some time to consider a return to the national team. Najmul had a discussion with Tamim on April 15 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium regarding his international future.
Tamim, who retired from T20Is, is currently open to playing in the other two formats.
“We had a chat about cricket, discussing his current situation and what we, as the team management and me as the captain, are thinking. It’s hard to say definitively right now because it’s a matter of time, and he requested some time to think about it. Let’s wait for the end of the DPL, and I also need to think about it,” Najmul told reporters during a private event on Monday when asked about his meeting with the seasoned left-handed batsman.
“Although he retired from T20s, naturally, I would be delighted if he returns to any format if he is fit. It’s not just me; I believe everyone in the country, as well as the cricketers, would be happy. This is our wish and desire, but most importantly, he needs to have the desire. Later, the process of his return will begin. We discussed my wish and demand as a captain a bit as well,” he said.
Najmul about Tamim’s Future
Najmul mentioned that he is not eager to make big statements before the ICC T20 World Cup and prefers if the expectations are not too high.
“Every year, before the World Cup, there is a lot of talk about our goals and what we want to achieve. I’m asking you, let’s not have high expectations. Keep it in our hearts. You all know what Bangladesh wants to achieve, and we know how far we want to take the team. Everyone wants to achieve something big, but when there is too much hype about it, I don’t like it, and we don’t really need it. The result will come to light when it happens,” said Najmul.
“All I can say is that those who play in the team will give 120 percent, and I can guarantee that. We will play to win. Every year, when we play, we play with a lot of hope, but there is no need to set high hopes and goals from the very beginning,” he added.
Najmul also addressed concerns about Mustafizur Rahman’s commitment to the national team, especially after questions were raised recently suggesting that the left-arm pacer saves his best performances for the IPL.
“The commitment Mustafizur shows for the national team is immense, especially because he plays in a foreign league (IPL). He is committed to his team and shows that on the field,” said Najmul.
“When he plays for Bangladesh, he thinks about every ball and how it can benefit the team. Many people are saying things, but I want to make it clear that I have closely observed him in a few games as the captain, and he gives a lot of importance to every ball. There is no lack of commitment, as if he is playing in a relaxed mode in the Bangladesh team,” he concluded.
