'I'm working with our physio on it but...' - Tamim Iqbal's shocking '5 World Cup matches availability' statement, Shakib Al Hasan warns BCB on same

The upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 is just a few days away and things are still looking quite derailed within the Bangladesh management. They are one of the remaining only teams, alongside Sri Lanka, who are yet to announce their squads for the marquee international tournament for the subcontinent edition of the ODI World Cup.

Meanwhile, the tussle between the senior players, including skipper Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal has come to the public forum. The media reports have learned that the star batter and former skipper Tamim Iqbal came up with a message to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that he will not be in a capacity to be available for more than 5 matches in the ODI World Cup 2023.

This move and message from Tamim Iqbal seemed not to have gone well with the current skipper and veteran all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan. The latter warned the cricket board that he would not be appearing in the marquee international tournament if they agree to the demands made by Tamim Iqbal.

“According to their report, Tamim Iqbal informed BCB that if they take him to the World Cup, they have to consider the fact that he is not fully fit and Tamim also informed that he won't be able to play more than 5 matches in this World Cup." reads an X post uploaded by Saif Ahmed, Social Media Manager of Bangla Tigers and Rangpur Riders.

“After hearing this, ODI captain Shakib Al Hasan said he couldn't accept that and even said he himself would not play the World Cup if Tamim goes to the World Cup and play only 5 games. He wants another player to play instead,” the post adds further.

🚨 THE FULL STORY:

As both Shakib Al Hasan & Tamim Iqbal are at BCB's resident right now and having a meeting with BCB President, it is quite clear now that what Somoy TV reported this evening, most of the part was quite true.

According to their report, Tamim Iqbal informed… pic.twitter.com/x4374e5KWM

— Saif Ahmed 🇧🇩 (@saifahmed75) September 25, 2023

Earlier, Tamim Iqbal also spoke on the update on his injury after he returned to the cricket in the ODI series against New Zealand.

"It felt good to be on the field again. It was nice to field for 50 overs and bat for 20 overs, but there's still lots of discomfort in my back. I'm working with our physio on it but the reality is, there's still pain,” said Tamim after his comeback ODI against New Zealand.

"To be honest, I was nervous. Saying it was just another match wouldn't be accurate, especially considering the events of the past few months. When I went to bat, I felt the nerves, but they went away after the opening over,” he added later.