Amid ongoing speculation regarding his absence from the World Cup team, Tamim Iqbal released a 12-minute and 10-second video message around 5:30pm Wednesday to address the misconceptions.
At the outset of the video, Tamim said: "I believe everyone should know the truth. As you know, I had resigned, and there were reasons for that. I later returned because of the prime minister's request.
“In the last two months, I have faced numerous challenges. I have left no stone unturned to regain my fitness during this time."
Rumors circulated that Tamim was excluded from the World Cup squad because he would not be available for all matches.
Clarifying this, he said: "When I began playing, I fielded for 35 overs. When the opportunity to bat came in the second match, I gave it my all. We may have lost, but I was content with my performance. When you return to cricket after an extended break, some discomfort is expected. I experienced some pain during both matches. I informed the medical department of my condition. At that point, three selectors approached me."
He added: "I have never, under any circumstances, stated that I wouldn't play more than five matches. I simply informed the selectors to choose us while being aware of our injuries. Everyone agreed to this initially, but it later became a subject of debate."
Tamim disclosed that the physio had assessed his fitness before the last match of the New Zealand series and confirmed that while he experienced pain, he was available for selection.
However, opting for rest would ensure better rehabilitation before Bangladesh's first World Cup match.
Consequently, Tamim made the decision not to play the third and final One Day International against the Kiwis.
Challenging anyone to dispute the physio's report in a public forum, Tamim asserted: "The physio report didn't state that I would be unable to play."
The storm over Bangladesh's squad selection for the Cricket World Cup looks set to boil over, as the country's most accomplished batsman, Tamim, revealed that he asked to be excluded after it was suggested he give up his position at the top of the order in the opening game against Afghanistan.
He however, did not disclose who that "prominent figure" was who requested him to bat in the lower-order.