Tamim Iqbal under observation after consultation with London spine specialist

Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal is currently under observation following an MRI scan after consulting a spine specialist in London. Earlier, Tamim had departed for the UK for scans for his back following meetings with the doctor and the medical staff of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Following the MRI scan, the veteran cricketer was administered a few injections and has been kept under observation as he underwent an invasive pain management procedure, as per the BCB.

"Tamim (Iqbal) consulted a spine specialist for his ongoing back pain and underwent invasive pain management procedure yesterday (Thursday). He will be under observation for the next two days and will be reassessed to determine the outcome of the procedure," BCB's senior physician Dr. Debashis Chowdhury, who has accompanied the player to the UK, was quoted as saying by ‘The Daily Star’.

As per latest reports, Tamim is not considering surgery, keeping in mind the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, the Bangla ODI skipper will be given the option by the board to carry on with the pain management procedure or to take up surgery, with the latter requiring a longer time to recover.

No official confirmation has been made on the regard by the player, however, it is expected that Tamim could make his decision prior to the Asia Cup 2023. Notably, Tamim had decided to retire from international cricket in July. However, he overturned the decision in less than 24 hours of announcing it following a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The veteran cricketer is eyeing to keep himself fit for the aforementioned ODI events, starting with the Asia Cup from August 30. Bangladesh play their first match of the ACC event against co-hosts Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on August 31.

Following the conclusion of the Asia Cup, Bangladesh will turn their attention towards the ODI World Cup as they kickstart their campaign against Afghanistan on October 7 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala.