Asia Cup 2023: Captaincy Crisis, Tamim Iqbal's Return to Lead Bangladesh Uncertain After Back Injury

Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal is doubtful to lead Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2023. The Bangladesh skipper recently returned from England after successful treatment of his back injury.

Last month, Tamim Iqbal pulled out of the one-off Test against Afghanistan due to a back issue. Later, he led the team in the 1st ODI against Afghanistan last month. However, he skipped the other two games due to a back issue and Liton Das led the team in his absence.

Later, he departed to England to treat the issue of his damaged disc. After a successful recovery, the left-handed batsman returned to Bangladesh on Monday (July 31).

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Tamim Iqbal Doubtful To Lead Bangladesh In Asia Cup 2023

Tamim is a crucial contender for Bangladesh currently. Being the ODI skipper, he is expected to lead the Bangladesh team in Asia Cup 2023. However, the opening batter is doubtful to play in the tournament. The 34-year-old will now rest for one week before taking to the field.

“If there is no pain, he should be able to start the rehabilitation after one week and he will increase the intensity of his workload slowly. He will understand where he (Tamim) stands when he gets closer to the high-intensity workload and see whether that pain is coming back or not,” a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official told Cricbuzz.

One of the selectors of BCB told Cricbizz that there is concern over Tamim Iqbal’s availability after the injury. He informed me that his injury has recurred in the past.

“Look we still have concerns over his availability due to the stature of his injury that is recurring in the recent past. All we can do is hope for the best,” the BCB selector said.

Tamim Iqbal is expected to have a meeting with BCB officials to decide about his participation in Asia Cup 2023 due to the recurring back issue. Asia Cup 2023 is set to commence on August 30. Bangladesh is set to play their first match against Sri Lanka on August 31.

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Meanwhile, a total of 20 Bangladesh cricketers have participated in Asia Cup 2023 preparation camp. Some players are yet to join the camp due to their commitments in foreign leagues.

Players like Shakib-al-Hasan, Litton Das, Shoriful Islam, Afif Hossain, and Towhid Hirdoy, Taskin Ahmed, Mushfiqur Rahim will join the camp soon. They will also undergo medical tests ahead of the camp to assess their fitness.

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