The cricket fraternity was taken by storm after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassanto revealed in an interview that there’s a rift between Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal and Test captain Shakib al Hasan. Hassanto had alleged that both Tamim and Shakib do not talk with each other off the field.
The disclosure by the BCB President soon became the talk of the town, and the fans were keen to know the authenticity of the news. Seeing the effect and seriousness of the matter, Tamim decided to face the questions of journalists in a press conference at Shere-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday (February 26). The 33-year-old opener began by saying that it was important to clarify things, and that he was prepared to respond to all the queries of reporters.
“I was prepared since yesterday. I have never seen so many journalists in one room. I knew these questions would come. It would have been very easy for me to say “no comments, let’s move forward”, but I think it was important to give my message to the journalists and fans. This is why I was happy to answer,” said Tamim.
Tamim further shed light on his relations with Shakib but refused to deny the claims made by the BCB President.
“The important thing is when Shakib and I put on the Bangladesh jersey, when we are giving our best, if we are helping each other when we are leading the teams, nothing else matters. Whatever anyone is saying, whether we have coffee together, these things don’t matter I can assure you that I always get his help as an ODI captain, and I am always there if he needs any suggestions in the Test team. When we bat together, or when we are celebrating his wicket, its absolutely normal,” added the opener.
When asked about if there was a possibility of a patch-up between the two compatriots outside the field without any involvement of the board, Tamim expressed his resentment over the fact that the news came out in public. However, he did not rule out the chance of sorting things out with Shakib.
“Everything is possible. It was between two individuals who are very important members of the team. It shouldn’t have come out of that room. I am not commenting on that,” stated Tamim.
