Tamim Iqbal set for return to competitive cricket after recovering from thumb injury

Bangladesh veteran Tamim Iqbal is set to make his return to competitive cricket after recovering from a thumb injury that he sustained while playing in the Everest Premier League back in October. The southpaw hasn’t played international cricket since the Tigers’ tour of Zimbabwe back in July and went on to miss Bangladesh’s home series against Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan as well.

Tamim couldn’t make the cut for the Tigers’ away Test series against the Black Caps, starting in less than a fortnight. The left-hander had also pulled out of Bangladesh’s campaign in the T20 World Cup in Oman and UAE. The Chattogram-born batter recently went abroad for a check-up after which he was advised a rest of six to eight weeks.

Tamim Iqbal keeping his fingers crossed on BCL participation

The 32-year-old has set his goals clear of taking part in the white-ball format of the Bangladesh Cricket League, starting January 9. On Monday, December 20, he started his preparations at the BCB academy.

“I am batting after a while and there is some pain but with time it will heal totally and I have to go through it. Later I will increase the intensity of my training like batting against pace bowlers and all that, and at that point I can understand where I stand. Let’s see if I can take part in the BCL one-day tournament,” Tamim was quoted as saying on Cricbuzz.

BCB chief physician Debashish Chowdhury also said that the board is trying its best to make sure that Tamim takes part in the BCL.

“This is part of his rehabilitation program. He was expected to bat from November 20 and he did that. He is playing against slow bowlers and later his intensity will increase. We are expecting him to take part in the BCL one-day format,” Chowdhury said.

Chowdhury also updated on Mustafizur Rahman, who’s eying a comeback following an injury layoff. The left-arm pacer was ruled out after the second T20I against Pakistan after he sustained a side strain.

“Mustafizur is bowling with 50 percent intensity. He is bowling with a short run-up and lesser pace. He will do gym sessions and increase his intensity in bowling gradually. At the moment he is not feeling any pain while bowling,” he added.