Shakib Al Hasan to Step Down as Bangladesh Captain & Skip World Cup 2023 if Tamim Iqbal Gets Picked – Report – News18

Bangladesh’s track record in ODIs has been far from impressive in 2023. The fact that they have won just 19 out of 30 games so far is a serious concern for the team, especially when the 50-over World Cup is around the corner. They continue to seek the right balance in the side but as per several media reports, controversy has gripped the team before the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) locks its final 15 for the showpiece event in India, starting October 5.

If the reports are believed, all is not well between veteran cricketers Shakib al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal. The latter had been through several ups and downs before getting ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023 due to an injury. He returned in the second ODI against New Zealand on Sunday in Dhaka where he scored a valiant 44 off 58 deliveries in the chase of 255. But his efforts couldn’t avoid an 86-run defeat.

As reported by Bangladesh’s Somoy TV, Shakib isn’t pleased with Tamim’s selection for the forthcoming World Cup. Notably, the latter had made it clear to the BCB that he would not be able to play more than 5 games in the showpiece event. As per the news report, Shakib isn’t willing to agree to Tamim’s demand, saying that he would step down as the ODI captain of the team and in fact, would pull himself out of the tournament if the opening batter gets picked in the final squad.

The Somoy TV report further stated that Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha along with Shakib and Tamim, met BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon at his resident on Monday night where the conversation took place. Shakib strictly said that he won’t take a half-fit player for the World Cup and would rather want someone else to play all games for the team.

Meanwhile, the media manager of BLP franchise Rangapur Riders wrote on microblogging site X that Tamil, in all likelihood, will not be picked for the World Cup. At the same time, Bangladesh Media manager Nafees Iqbal has been removed from his post at Shakib’s request.

The final squad of Bangladesh is expected to be announced on Tuesday while the team, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, playing the 3^rd ODI against New Zealand in Dhaka. The BCB will also reveal the team’s jersey for the showpiece event.