ICC World Cup 2023: Tamim Iqbal Drops Major Hint On His Return To Bangladesh Squad Before ODI WC, Says 'We Are Right On Track'

Bangladesh skipper, Tamim Iqbal dropped a major hint on his return to the squad before the ODI World Cup 2023 and said that he is confident about making his comeback from his injury.

While speaking to Not Out Noman, Tamim Iqbal said that his rehabilitation process is going well so far he and his are on the right track.

Iqbal added that after having the injection for back pain, he did not complain about the pain and that there was stiffness at first but now it has been recovered. He said that his main target is to come back before the start of the ODI World Cup which will start from October.

“It’s going good (as far as rehabilitation is concerned). I think the way my plan is set we are right on track I am quite happy with the outcome till now and I haven’t complained about the back pain yet and there is no sign of major pain since taking the injection. There is stiffness for one or two days till now I am very happy and whoever is involved with the program (rehabilitation) like the new rehab manager (Kieron Thoms), national team physio Bayzid and national team trainer Nick all of them are satisfied with the process. If we can move forward well in that case the series that I am targeting I hope (to make myself available),” Tamim Iqbal said.

Tamim Iqbal added that from the first week of September, he can start a full net session without any restriction and that as of now there still have been few restrictions.

“I think from 7th (September) I can take part in a full net session and there will be no restrictions like I cannot do this or that like you have seen I was facing only throw downs on the opening two days and from now onwards I can use a stick for throw downs. The way it had been planned, everyday there is a tick mark there isn’t a day when we could not do something for any reason apart from one day like I had some pain but that was in my calf,” Tamim Iqbal added.

I have played for so long that I don’t think a match could be a big problem for me: Tamim Iqbal

The Bangladesh skipper added that it is more important for him to take part in a full 10 days of net practice rather than go to play competitive matches as of now.

“It’s important (the five matches before the World Cup – three ODIs against New Zealand and two practice games) but for me what is important is to have proper 10 days of net sessions this is what I feel. Because I have played for so long I don’t think match could be a big problem for me. Normally if I can do 10 net sessions properly before the first game I should be ok. It is very good that we are getting five matches and let’s say if I play three to four games before the main event (World Cup) that is positive” he further added.

Bangladesh will start their ODI World Cup 2023 voyage against Afghanistan on October 7th at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala.