Tamim Iqbal ruled out of South Africa tour

Tamim Iqbal has been ruled out of the rest of Bangladesh tour of South Africa after he suffered a thigh injury. The Bangladesh opener had first injured his left thigh during a practice session. According to the Bangladesh camp, he played the first Test in Potchefstroom with pain and carried the injury into the ODI series, where he worsened it.

He is one of the most assured batsmen in the Bangladesh squad. The left-hander is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in Bangladesh cricket and is arguably the hardest hitter of the cricket ball in the country. His elegance and style through the off side is a treat to watch. Although he only got 23 runs in the 2nd ODI, Bangladesh would miss his hard-hitting style and experience going forward to the 3rd ODI and T20I series.

The 28-year old opener will not take part in the third ODI and the upcoming T20Is and is returning back home on October 22. “If I get injured again [in the same spot], then I will be out for two months which I hope the team management doesn’t want and neither do I.” he was quoted saying by ESPN Cricinfo.

Replacement announced by the selectors

Tamim now has to revive his fitness and form, in order to play this year’s Bangladesh Premier League, which is all set to start in November. He is obvious to miss the first two weeks of the T20 league.

The Selection Committee of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, headed by Minhajul Abedin, has replaced Tamim with the left-handed batsman Mominul Haque. Bangla Tigers as earlier has already lost the service of left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman due to an ankle injury.

– Written by Abhishek Anil