2024-04-17 19:47:07
The two had a closed door meeting in the dressing room after the Dhaka Premier League match. Seeing the depth of discussion between the two, it was understood that they were sitting at the same table on very important issues. It did not take long to realize that the discussion was centered on the national team. Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Tamim Iqbal had a long discussion in the dressing room of Mirpur on Monday.
Shanto refused to comment directly on their discussions. However, the fact that Tamim has returned to the national team is understood by Shanta’s words, ‘If Tamim is a brother, the team will definitely benefit a lot. Junior players can learn a lot.’
Last night, Shanta was not interested in saying anything, but today he went to an event at diplomatic work and said a lot of things directly. The bottom line is, if Tamim wants to return to the national team, the interest has to come from his side. After that the process will start. Tamim retired from international cricket during the series against Afghanistan last year. A day later, he met the Prime Minister and came back from retirement. Then played two matches against New Zealand.
After that his return to international cricket fell into uncertainty. There is no discussion of on-field performance. Discuss dressing room issues. Various matters outside the field. Because of that, Tamim kept moving away from the national team. However, one of the best batsmen in the country was always in demand. Shanto also said the same thing. But what Tamim himself wants is what he thinks is important.
Shantar commented, ‘I would like it if he is fit, even though he has retired from T20, if he is fit, we will be happy if he comes in any format. I think, not only me, every person of the country, the cricketer will be happy. It is desire. Ask for it. But first of all he has to ask. Then the rest of the process. But as a captain, I have talked about the things that I want or need.’
Shanta claimed that he clarified his thoughts during the discussion between the two, “(with Tamim) sat and chatted nicely.” Talked about cricket. What condition is he in? We talked about how we or I think as a captain. It’s hard to tell you clearly at the moment. Because it is a matter of time. He also asked for some time. Maybe think a little. DPL is also underway. Let the tournament be over. I also need to think a little. Normally, a little bit of cricket… What’s the situation, what’s going on?’
Ahead of the World Cup, Tamim’s comeback is being talked about, but several questions are also being raised. Will Tamim retire from T20? Considering his performance in Bangladesh’s only T20 tournament, there is no reason for Tamim not to return. Whereas Tamim scored 492 runs, became the best player of the tournament, made his team Barisal the champion.
However, the team management has no intention of bringing him back to T20, it is clear in Shanta’s words, ‘I am not thinking about such (Tamim-Mushfiq’s T20 retirement) at the moment. The World Cup is not long. The team is in a very good position. I am not thinking about these things at the moment. But of course ready to call on anyone at any moment when the team needs it.’