Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal entered the press conference room at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday ready to face the music (February 26). In an exclusive interview with Cricbuzz, Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan discussed the schism between Tamim and Shakib Al Hasan, which became the talk of the town.
“I prepared yesterday,” Tamim said. “So many journalists in one room is unprecedented. I expected these inquiries. I could have just said “no remarks, let’s go forward,” but I felt it was necessary to tell the journalists and supporters. I answered gladly.”
Tamim didn’t contradict the president’s words, but he said the two players get along on the field. “When Shakib and I wear the Bangladesh jersey, do our all, help each other, and lead the teams, nothing else matters. I always get his help as an ODI captain, and I’m always there if he needs Test team suggestions. We bat together and celebrate his wicket normally “”Talim,”
“I like everyone. Dinner with Taskin, Taijul, Mithun, Shanto, Mushfiq. Professional relationships vary. We have it. Our field motive matters most “stated.
As the board failed to resolve their off-field dispute during a meeting with both players, Tamim expressed displeasure at the news becoming public but did not rule out reconciliation. “Everything’s conceivable,” he remarked. “It involved two key players. That shouldn’t have left that room. No remark.”
The veteran denied Nazmul’s claim that the dressing room is unhealthy and denied that players create factions. “Our team environment has been wonderful for years,” he said. “Your results are possible in a joyful dressing room. For five or six years, especially the last five or six series, we have done well in ODIs. As in the past year, everything is OK.
“17 years playing for Bangladesh. Grouping was utilised when the team struggled. I am honest and have never seen it in my job. It doesn’t seem to have developed in the six months I wasn’t with the team. I’ve seen nothing in three or four days. Discussing the BPL has been fun. This term unfortunately appears when the team is struggling. Team is going great now. I’m good.”
When the conversation turned to the home series against England, Tamim noted that his team would like to play on better pitches with a World Cup in India later this year. “We spoke about playing better on real wickets,” he remarked. “Starting with this series, we moved the third ODI to Chattogram instead of Dhaka. Progress.
“World Cup wickets should favour batsmen. We cannot remain result-oriented while making these changes. We can’t accept losing, but in two or three months, we’ll achieve better results “Tamim added that Mehedy Hasan’s presence as an all-rounder is a blessing.
“He simplifies the captain’s XI selection. Miraz is now an all-rounder like Shakib. As Miraz is batting, we can add a bowler. His performance blessed us. He’s gifted and confident. Talent is useless without self-belief. He probably has both.”
Tamim was certain Chandika Hathurusingha would perform better than his previous spell because he now knows the dressing room culture. “We took five-six months to understand one other when Hathurusingha was coach last time. We’re acquainted now. Like other coaches, he’s good. He’ll do better this time.”
