Despite wide range of criticism regarding exclusion of regular opener experienced Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh Cricket team has gone to India to take part in the ICC World Cup 2023.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the 15-member squad without Tamim earlier on Tuesday for World Cup 2023 which will start in India on October 5. Shakib Al Hasan is leading the team with many young cricketers.
Is Bangladesh cricket team a balanced one to defeat the big teams in the World Cup? This question is often asked by the cricket lovers of the country.
Bangladesh are now depending on Tanzid Ahmed and Liton Das for opening as the regular opener Tamim Iqbal is not in the squad. Moreover, there are many young players in the team. Except Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, the other pacers do not have a history of playing frequently against the big teams.
Tigers have to face mighty teams like defending champion England, five- time WC winner Australia, former champions India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. So, it will be very challenging task for Shakib Al Hasan and his team.
However, a recent video of Tamim Iqbal and an interview of the skipper Shakib Al Hasan raised many questions among the Tiger fans. However, Tamim Iqbal recently claimed someone from the top management of BCB asked him either not to play the first game against Afghanistan in the World Cup or bat at lower order. Tamim reacted immediately and refused to play at any other place except opening.
Tamim said, “I came out of an injury and played the second match against New Zealand……. I was very happy the way I batted. I only scored 44 runs. I think, I was very confident……. After the game, I was very happy mentally.”
“If you really want me, then you should make me mentally free and happy. Because I am coming out of a very bad 3-4 months,” he added.
He also wished Bangladesh Cricket team very best for all the success in the World Cup.
In an interview, Captain Shakib Al- Hasan was asked about Tamim’s stand. He termed Tamim’s behavior childish and said a player should be ready to play at any position for the sake of the team. He also clarified that he was not behind Tamim’s exclusion from the squad.
“Team is first not the individual. Individual performance or achievement is not above the team,” Shakib added.
At the first match of the World Cup, Tigers will face Afghanistan at the Dharamsala stadium at Himachal Pradesh on October 7.
Bangladesh and Afghanistan faced each other in 15 matches in ODI. Out of those, Tigers won 9, Afghanistan won 6.
Bangladesh should kick off their World Cup journey on a positive note in their opening match against Afghanistan. If the Tigers hope to win against the mighty teams, they have to post a challenging score on the board. They will have to show an all-round performance to defeat the big teams.
