Tamim opted to stay out of Bangladesh's World Cup squad: Mashrafe

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza

Masrafe Bin Mortaza, former Bangladesh captain and a current MP, contended that Tamim Iqbal's absence from the World Cup squad was a matter of choice rather than Bangladesh Cricket Board's decision.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) unveiled the World Cup squad on Tuesday, sans Tamim Iqbal.

Chief selector Minhajul Abedin attributed Tamim's omission to concerns about his injuries, but Masrafe put forth a different perspective.

"While many assert that Tamim was left out, the truth is that Tamim chose not to be part of the team," Mashrafe stated. "There is a significant distinction between exclusion and a voluntary decision not to join."

Masrafe shared his take on his social media account after the team was announced. He was spotted at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, the same day the squad was unveiled. It remains uncertain whether he played a part in any deliberations regarding the team selection.

Tamim's exclusion from the World Cup squad reverberated as a surprising development within Bangladesh's cricketing circles. The esteemed opener has grappled with a longstanding injury.

He sat out the Asia Cup due to the same reason, dedicating over a month to rehabilitation. He had to leave captaincy for the same as well. Tamim Iqbal made a return during the New Zealand series, batting in just one match before his injury resurfaced, leading to his absence from the final match.-UNB