DHAKA, June 17, 2021 (BSS)—The Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier League (DPL) is set to lose some of its gloss as the two prominent figures of country’s cricket—Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal decided to skip the super league phase.
While Tamim Iqbal pulled out of the crucial phase of the league due to injury concern, Shakib felt mentally fatigued, which is why, he requested his club Mohammedan Sporting Club in a letter to allow him break from the super league.
Mohammedan cricket committee secretary Selim Shahed said that they received the letter from Shakib and considered the matter on humanitarian grounds. He however didn’t confirm whether they allow the break.
“Shakib has been in bio-bubble for different leagues for the last three months. After playing the 11th round match of the DPL, he wants to go to the USA as he is mentally fatigued now for being away from the family. We are considering the matter on humanitarian ground but the final decision regarding this will be taken later,” Shahed said here today.
Shakib was suspended for three DPL matches for kicking and throwing down the stumps in a wild reaction to the umpire’s decision during his side’s match against archrivals Abahani Limited. He returned to DPL today after his suspension.
Mohammedan had already confirmed the super league but Shakib’s own form was not satisfactory. He bowled well, with willow, he disappointed all. His highest score of 37 came against Abahani and he bagged two ducks. He scored 110 runs and took eight wickets so far in seven matches for his side.
Meanwhile, Tamim Iqbal who was playing for Prime Bank Cricket Club, said he decided to opt out playing further in the league as he felt pain on his leg for sometime now, which causes problems in fielding and running between the wicket.
As the Zimbabwe series is approaching fast, he said with the consultation of the doctors and the medical department of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) he had taken this decision to avoid aggravating the injury.
“For some time now I felt pain in my leg and I was struggling especially with fielding and running between the wickets. I in fact played some matches through injury but it now becomes unbearable,” Tamim said in a recorded voice statement.
“Since the Zimbabwe series is approaching fast, I consulted with the doctors and BCB’s medical team who advised me to take rest and rehab. If I can take rest and rehab properly I hope I can be fit for cricket ahead of the first Test against Zimbabwe.”
Tamim scored 306 runs in 11 matches at an average of 27.81 for Prime Bank in the league. He scored just one half-century and the strike rate with which he batted was not satisfactory.