Tamim Iqbal Steps Down as Captain due to Injury Concerns. Yesterday, Tamim Iqbal made the decision to step down from the captaincy after a crucial meeting with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hassan Papon and Cricket Operations Chairman Jalal Yunus. His decision came primarily due to concerns surrounding his injury.

Tamim personally conveyed the matter of captaincy before Jalal informed the media during the press conference. It was announced that Tamim would not be participating in the Asia Cup, choosing instead to focus on his recovery for the upcoming home series against New Zealand in September, just ahead of the World Cup.

The media’s attention was fully drawn to the meeting between Tamim and the BCB, and the press event, scheduled for 8:00 PM, began later than expected, around 9 PM.

During the press conference, Tamim stated, “I had an important meeting with Jalal bhai and Papon bhai. We have discussed what will happen going forward. From today [Thursday], I will step down as Bangladesh cricket team ODI captain. I feel that the injury is an issue, and I have taken injections, but those treatments are almost hit-and-miss at this point. I have spoken of my problems with them. Thinking of the team, stepping down would be the best possible thing.”

Jalal mentioned that Tamim’s pain had somewhat subsided after multiple injections in the UK. However, the road to recovery would require time, and Tamim would not be fit in time for the Asia Cup. The BCB is now looking for a new captain for the long run, and while Shakib Al Hasan is a preferred choice, discussions with him are yet to happen.

Tamim, who led Bangladesh in 37 matches, achieved notable successes during his captaincy, including a memorable series victory against South Africa on away soil.

The BCB will investigate the situation surrounding Tamim’s injury diagnosis in the L4 and L5 discs to understand the issue better. Tamim revealed that the problem was initially diagnosed in November 2022, but a recent MRI report in Dubai indicated a different injury diagnosis. Surgery is unlikely at this stage, as it might hamper Tamim’s chances of making a successful return.