Known from reliable informed sources that the back injury of ace Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal was not diagnosed correctly by BCB medical staff. Possibly due to deliberate major negligence major injury shown in MRI report was ignored. For flawed injury management rehabilitation process, it aggravated. The experts in London identified it and have started the management process by giving some pain-killing injections. His injury is now under monitoring. 

Based on improvement he may be ready on time for playing again in the ODI series against New Zealand which will be followed by the ICC World Cup. Tamim has announced that he will not lead the side. It is known to all that for indeterminate reasons Tamim earlier announced his retirement from all forms of cricket last month during the home series against Afghanistan. He plays only Test and ODI as he retired from T20 format earlier. Now that his availability as a player is uncertain and he has opted out from captaincy, BCB is in a spot of bother. Is it true that BCB medical team mismanaged Tamim’s Injury? BCB President Nazmul Hasan (Papon) MP sounded irked. There must be an enquiry conducted and mischief monger (s) punished. Replacing a legendary batsman of international class is not so easy in case of an emerging cricket nation Bangladesh is not easy. Right at this moment with Shakib Al Hasan or Mushfiqur Rahim very reluctant to take the responsibility and Mahmudullah not very certain about his place in the squad who can BCB rely upon for very important assignments of Asia Cup and World Cup? 

We had been observing very unkind and amateur social media rumblings by shallow visioned cricket admirers about Tamim for a while. He is undoubtedly the master craftsman in Bangladesh cricket, the highest scorer in all formats of international cricket. All knowledgeable cricket admirers know about major contributions of Tamim Iqbal for Bangladesh in reaching the present level of cricket. BCB in almost a decade’s time could not find a competent replacement. Imrul Kayes or Anamul Haq Bijoy were not given opportunities they deserved. Soumya Sarkar was not handled properly. Even the younger breed like Mohammad Naim or Tanzid Tamim were not matured through a proper process. In such a situation Tamim’s absence at Asia cup and uncertainty in World Cup will hurt Bangladesh.

Apart from injury there must have been few other reasons that led to Tamim surprisingly announcing retirement last month. We are not sure whether he shared those with BCB President and BCB Director (Cricket Operations) in his recent meeting before his latest announcement of opting out from captaincy. If those issues are not resolved Bangladesh may not achieve the success that Cricket admirers are dreaming. International cricket requires a team gelling properly and performing as a team. The team chemistry is very important. Man, management is a very important aspect. We have seen how Bangladesh lost the opportunity of prolonged services from a legendary cricketer Mohammad Ashraful. How players like Nasir and Shabbir were lost? How is a very talented Mohammad Saifuddin suffering? How players like Tushar Imran or Naeem Islam could not convert their talent into international class? If matured professionally the world cup winning Bangladesh under 19 could lead Bangladesh team rock by now. There could be ideal replacements for top players. BCB failed to do that. Some paid cricket coaches implemented the nefarious design of some cricket officials. 

Coming back the leadership of the team in Asia Cup, World Cup and beyond what was plan B of BCB? In the present muddy situation, it is not certain that Shakib or Mushfique will agree. Litton was OK for a stop gap option. But he can not be relied upon for major international event. He is still too raw. Now that Tamim is not available for opening the Innings Litton must concentrate on his batting. BCB management has only made their task more difficult ignoring Mahmudullah Riad possibly on the prescription of Haturasinghe. Other options like Nazmul Hasan Shanto or Mehedi Hasan Miraj will also not be appropriate if Bangladesh really dream to challenge the best of the best in the two tournaments. These two young talents are still maturing. 

Having said all above BCB has a huge task. First selecting the squad, selecting the captain and off course vice-captain. Asia cup is even a less than a month away. Bangladesh openers will have to deal with new ball attack of Shaeen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Hariss Rouf, Jaspreet Bumrah , Mohammad Sami . Tamim is not there. Who will open with Litton? If top order can not take the shine off the ball, there will be huge pressure on Shakib and Mushfique. If Mahmudullah is ignored who will rescue Bangladesh? Hope BCB president appreciates the depth and diversity of the challenge. Let us hope that BCB lives up to challenges. 

BDST: 1313 HRS, AUG 05, 2023
SMS