• Source:JND
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Bangladesh veteran Tamim Iqbal has decided to step down as their ODI captain ahead of the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India. The left-handed batter has relinquished his captaincy with immediate effect after a back injury ruled him out of Asia Cup 2023.

"I will step down as captain and concentrate as a player and try to give my best whenever the opportunity comes," Tamim told the press.

Tamim had announced his retirement a few weeks ago but had to withdraw his decision later after he was convinced by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to do so.

 

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"The honorable Prime Minister invited me to her residence this afternoon,” Tamim said at the time. “We had a long discussion after which she instructed me to return to cricket. I am withdrawing my retirement.

“I can say no to anyone but it is impossible to say no to the most important person in the country."

Tamim had a long discussion with BCB president Nazmul Hassan and cricket operations chairman Jalal Yunus at Hassan's residence.

"I believe injury is an issue," Tamim said. "I took an injection [on July 28], but it is like a hit or miss. I have told them [the board] about the problem. I have always helped the team over everything else. So keeping that in mind, stepping down is the best possible decision. I want to give my best as a player whenever the opportunity comes. I have spoken to the prime minister, and she understood."

Jalal confirmed that the opening batter is ruled out of the Asia Cup due to the long rehabilitation period but is preparing for the ODIs against New Zealand and the World Cup in October.

"He has been suffering from an injury in his L4 and L5 in his back," he said. "He has been in treatment for almost a year. He went abroad, and consulted several doctors. Recently, he consulted a doctor in London.

 

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"The diagnosis was that his pain is generated from L4 and L5 discs. He was given two injections. The second injection, given on July 28, relieved him of pain. He has been advised to rest for two weeks, till August 11, after which he will resume his rehab. But he can only return to the nets in another two weeks. By that time, we are leaving for Asia Cup, on August 26.

"If he undergoes surgery, returning [soon] will be very difficult. He is unlikely to do that, so we are expecting him to return for the New Zealand series."