Shakib Al Hasan Criticizes Tamim Iqbal’s Post as “Childish Behavior” Non-Selection Scandal Before the 2023 World Cup
Tamim Iqbal’s remarks over his lack of inclusion in the World Cup team have angered Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan, who called them “childish behavior.” Tamim has previously claimed that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) engaged in a “dirty game” by passing him over for other players for reasons unrelated to cricket.
Tamim’s absence from the team was not Shakib’s fault, and he cited Mahmudullah’s selection to the World Cup squad despite missing the previous six months of practice. Shakib highlighted that the squad was chosen solely on cricket-related criteria and performance rather than any subjective judgments.
Mahmudullah Riyad bhai was absent, but he unexpectedly joined the World Cup squad. I believed he was capable of doing so, but everyone was aware of his commitment to the team, his sense of duty toward it, and his desire to play for it. There is a distinction, Shakib said.
“Also, choosing the whole squad is not my duty. If it had been the case, a day before the Asia Cup, I would have been allowed to reveal the squad after being named captain. You must go through a variety of procedures, items, and information in addition to performance. Many factors are considered before selecting the squad, including performance on and off the field, the locker room, team meetings, and environment.
Tamim will bat down the order or won’t be selected in the first game, as I indicated, but I haven’t spoken about any of those things, so I’m not sure where the question came from. If it was mentioned, it was probably done by a legitimate individual who was alerting the other party beforehand in the interests of mutual benefit. I don’t see any negative aspects to this. Someone wouldn’t say anything like that intentionally do damage, I’m sure of it.
“So is there anything wrong with that suggestion if someone created it? Maybe you can’t make a suggestion like that, then. Like you have to say to someone, “You do whatever you want?” When someone says, “It’s my bat, only I will play,” it shows juvenile conduct.
“Anyone should be prepared to play in any position for the benefit of the team. The main priority is the team. It is difficult for me to choose the squad when I don’t know whether someone will play in the third game or the seventh game until the morning of the game,” he said.
The controversy surrounding Tamim’s absence has increased the suspense around Bangladesh’s World Cup preparations, as the squad hopes to do well at the competition.
