Shakib Al Hasan To Boycott ICC World Cup 2023? Tamim Iqbal's Fitness Status Creates Massive Rift For Bangladesh- Report

Just ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023, Bangladesh are facing a big turmoil. Two of their biggest superstars – captain Shakib Al Hasan and his predecessor Tamil Iqbal – are reportedly involved in a tussle over the latter’s participation in the ODI World Cup.

The last few weeks have been like a rollercoaster ride for Tamim Iqbal who sensationally retired from the ODIs before taking a U-turn after talking to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He then decided to step down as the ODI captain after a back injury ruled him out of Asia Cup 2023. Tamim Iqbal recently returned to action in the ongoing series against New Zealand.

And while he looks set to ply his trade for Bangladesh in the ODI World Cup, it looks like he will participate in the event on a condition. According to a report in Somoy TV, Tamim Iqbal has informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that he won’t be able to play more than five matches during the World Cup due to injury issues.

Shakib Al Hasan issues ultimatum:

Following Tamim Iqbal’s message to the BCB, Shakib Al Hasan has also issued an ultimatum to the board. The Bangladesh captain has threatened to boycott the World Cup if BCB agrees to Tamim Iqbal’s demand. Shakib Al Hasan has made it clear that he wants a different player to play for Bangladesh in the World Cup.

According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Saif Ahmed, social media manager of Bangla Tigers and Rangpur Riders, Shakib was at BCB’s residence last night for a meeting with the president. He claimed in the post while quoting Somoy TV:

“According to their report, Tamim Iqbal informed BCB that if they take him to the World Cup, they have to consider the fact that he is not fully fit and Tamim also informed that he won’t be able to play more than 5 matches in this World Cup.”

“After hearing this, ODI captain Shakib Al Hasan said he couldn’t accept that and even said he himself will not play the World Cup if Tamim goes to the World Cup and play only 5 games. He wants another player to play instead,” the post added.

Tamil Iqbal is one of the most decorated openers in ODIs. He has played 243 ODIs so far and has scored 8357 runs at an average of 36.65, with 14 hundreds and 56 fifties to his name.