Tamim not keen on T20 Internationals for at least 6 months

The most successful opener in Bangladesh cricket and ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal has shelved his Twenty20 International plans for the next six months.

Tamim announced his decision while training in Chattogram with the BPL Franchise Minister Dhaka on Thursday.

“The [BCB officials] obviously want me to continue playing until the [T20] World Cup. But my issue was different. I’ve taken a decision which will fare well for all. I'm not thinking about T20 Internationals for the next six months. I'll put all my focus on Tests and ODIs in these months,” Tamim said.

The 32-year-old batsman hopes the Tigers will not need his services in the format anymore and asked the management to leave the door open for youngsters to battle for a place in the squad.

“I hope the youngsters will play so well in the coming six months that I will no longer be needed.

“Yet, if the times call after six months and the board, selectors or team management feel that they need me and I stay prepared for that, we’ll discuss the matter once again. But I’m not thinking of that in these six months.”

Bangladesh already have eight T20 games scheduled in three series over the next six months.

Mohammad Naim Sheikh, Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar are in the running for a spot in the opening pair along with Nazmul Hossain Shanto.

These newcomers are still struggling with consistency as was apparent in the home series preceding the recent World T20 and the showcase event itself. But they can make a statement in the coming six months.

Tamim is optimistic that the new batters will seize the opportunity to secure a spot in the team.

“We gave the youngsters opportunity in the last series as well. They need it. It'll be a mistake to judge them by just a couple of series. I’m personally confident that I'll no longer be needed six months later.

“Nevertheless, I’m saying that if the board suggests or if it occurs to me, I'll return. But for now, I’m against it.

“I believe and hope that those who are opening in T20s now are very capable. They'll do well. I’m sure about that. I can’t wish for anything but the best for my team and the fellows.”

Tamim pulled out of a T20 series against New Zealand and returned home after the One-Day Internationals in March last year citing “personal reasons”.

In September, he dropped out of the T20 World Cup, saying he took the decision because he had been away from T20 format for a long time.

Injury then ruled him out of the squad for a T20 series against Pakistan.

In a career spanning 74 T20Is, Tamim scored 1,701 runs at an average of 24.65 with 7 half-centuries and the only century by a Bangladeshi in the format.

Only Mahmudullah (113 games) and Shakib Al Hasan (94 games) have scored more runs in the format than Tamim but have lower averages.