Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal stressed that there is no grouping in the national dressing room.
The statement from the left-handed batter came on the back of Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan's claim of an “unhealthy dressing room” and that it is being polluted by grouping.
Tamim while speaking to the media at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium Sunday said such allegations are brought against the side when the team does not do well.
“I have been playing in the national team for about 17 years now but have never seen anything such as groupings, but every time the team doesn't do well, such claims are made. I am not saying this just for the sake of saying, those of you who know me – know how straight forward I am. I always try to say as it is,” Tamim explained.
“You like it or not, I have not seen any groupings in the dressing room. Now if it has happened in last six months, I won't be able make a comment on it as I was not part of the team last six months. We have been practicing [for upcoming England series] for last three to four days and I have not seen anything as such. Everyone is enjoying their time in the dressing room and are focused on cricket,” the Bangladesh ODI skipper added.
BCB chief Nazmul in the interview published Saturday pointed to groupings in the national dressing room and how it has affected performance in major tournaments like the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia last year.
The BCB boss urged to put an end to the groupings in order for Bangladesh cricket to prosper in future.
“The biggest problem for Bangladesh cricket at the moment is this grouping and that is the reality. I don't have a problem with anything else. I am only scared about this grouping and I only came to know about it in recent times. Even in the T20 World Cup, what I have seen and heard despite not staying in their hotel...I cannot believe how it is possible. We have to put an end to it if we want to see a good future because one thing everyone needs to understand is that there is no scope for grouping,” said Nazmul.
“They (Shakib and Tamim) have to talk on the field and in the dressing room as well. The atmosphere of the dressing room was bad too but it improved a bit. From this series (upcoming home series against England) I want to change it (their relationship) in the dressing room at least. What they do outside is not a concern for me,” the BCB boss added.
