Tamim departs for T10 League after BCB hearing

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal following a day’s delay departed Dhaka Thursday to join the T10 League in the UAE. Though the left-handed opener was issued No Objection Certificate by the BCB, and was set to leave Dhaka Wednesday, Tamim was held back to attend his hearing with the BCB disciplinary committee Thursday afternoon. The swashbuckling batsman found himself in hot water with the BCB after making public comment of the below-par wickets and outfield at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka during the recently concluded BPL 2017. Tamim, who led Comilla Victorians to the knockout stage, and eventually third place, had heavily criticised the low-scoring wickets following their last league game against Rangpur Riders. The comment had caught the attention of the BCB, who immediately handed a show cause letter to the Bangladesh batsman and had asked him to attend a hearing.

---

Also read: Bangladesh to start new year with tri-nation series

---

Tamim following an hour-long hearing with the BCB disciplinary committee said, “I admitted to the committee that I could have had used better words to explain my frustration on the wickets. I now realise I was a bit harsh with my selection of words. The committee explained to me that as a senior cricketer of the national team and given that I’m a centrally contracted player, I should not make harsh comment towards any of the BCB assets. The board has no issue with a cricketer making a comment if something is not upto the mark but it should never be harsh. I have been asked by the board to join the national camp, starting Sunday.” The southpaw informed that the board had no issue with him participating in the T10 League in Sharjah. Tamim, who was picked by Pakhtoons in the unique format of cricket missed the side’s first game Thursday and is likely to be in action Friday. The BCB in its last meeting removed Mushfiqur Rahim as Test captain and Tamim as deputy. The board handed over the charge to Shakib al Hasan, who was named captain, and Mahmudullah, who was declared vice-captain.

Tamim Iqbal picked by Team Pakhtoon in #PlayersDraft2017 (Round 2) for #T10CricketLeague happening right now at #Dubai pic.twitter.com/FtIr9yiW4z

— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) November 5, 2017

Tamim informed that he is not shaken by the board’s decision, rather, “I believe when I was given the charge they (board) had thought of me to be the best person. I do not have any issue with the decision. As a senior member of the team I will always be available for all kind of help.” Tamim is the second cricketer to join the T10 League. Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman was also picked for the tournament but the BCB denied him NOC due to injury concern.