BN Report
In 2023, Bangladesh cricket witnessed a series of dramatic events involving veteran players Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, diverting attention from on-field performances to off-field controversies.
After a disappointing ODI series against Afghanistan, Tamim announced his retirement from international cricket, leading to frantic efforts by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president, Nazmul Hasan, to reverse the decision.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina played a pivotal role in convincing Tamim to reconsider, although he opted out of the Asia Cup due to persistent back pain.
The BCB named Shakib as the ODI captain for the Asia Cup and ICC World Cup, but Tamim returned to play against New Zealand, managing his back issues.
However, tensions arose during World Cup squad selection, with Tamim refusing to bat at five and eventually making himself unavailable for the tournament, leading to a public spat with BCB officials and Shakib.
The fallout continued post-World Cup, with Tamim discussing his future with the prime minister and BCB chief.
He announced his return to competitive cricket in the 2024 Bangladesh Premier League, deciding on his international career based on T20 franchise performance.
Shakib, in a controversial interview, distanced himself from Tamim’s omission in the World Cup squad, sparking widespread debate within the cricket community.
