Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal ruled out of Asia Cup 2018 due to injury

Sri Lankan coach Chandika Hathurusingha (R) talks with Bangladesh's Tamim Iqbal (Photo: AFP)


Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal has been ruled out of Asia Cup 2018 due to an injury. Iqbal fractured his left wrist in the opening match of the ongoing tournament against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

In the second over of the first innings, Iqbal was hit on his left wrist and the left-hander immediately signalled towards the physiotherapist before being retired hurt on 2 off 3 balls. Bangladesh opener is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks.

However, after Bangladesh lost its ninth wicket, Iqbal walked out to bat and helped Bangladesh add 32 runs for the final wicket with Mushfiqur Rahim (144), who was also the highest scorer in the match.

On his return to bat at number 10, Tamim had four fingers from his left gloves popping out to support a special padding on the glove. Though Tamim didn’t score, he helped Mushfiqur to take Bangladesh to a respectable total of 261.

After the innings was concluded, Iqbal was taken to a hospital. Speaking about Tamim Iqbal, Minajul Abedin, the Bangladesh chief selector, told ESPNcricinfo, “We took him to hospital only because it was a serious injury, and not just mere bruising,” adding, “He was in some pain obviously and it wouldn’t have been prudent to continue batting.”

“It was Tamim’s decision whether to come out again. If he doesn’t want to bat, no one can push him. The credit goes to him, he took the decision. Losing him is a big blow, but at the same time, we have some players in the bank,” Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council (ICC).