Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal is set to make his return to competitive cricket with the upcoming NCL T20 tournament, scheduled from December 11 to 23.
Tamim, who has yet to announce his retirement from Tests and ODIs, last played competitive cricket during the previous edition of the Dhaka Premier League, the country’s premier List A tournament, in May this year.
While Tamim has been regularly practicing at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium over the past few days, it remains unclear whether he will make a return to international cricket.
His recent comments, in which he did not rule out the possibility, have left many speculating.
Hannan Sarkar, a member of the national selection panel, was unable to confirm whether Tamim has expressed interest in returning to the national team but confirmed that the opener is eager to participate in the NCL T20.
The tournament will feature eight divisional teams, including those that compete in the country’s first-class competition.
“Tamim Iqbal has shown interest in playing in the upcoming NCL T20.
We still have time to determine how many matches he will play and when, but if he does play, he will certainly represent Chattogram Division,” Hannan told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
“All players will have to undergo fitness tests, which is a key criterion.
There is a benchmark that everyone must meet, but we have given senior players opportunities even if they have not passed the fitness test.
Tamim will need to go through this process as well,” he added.
Many believe Tamim may be using the NCL T20 as a stepping stone to prepare for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League.
Leave a Reply