Tamim Iqbal optimistic of getting fit in time for the Afghanistan ODI series

Bangladesh is scheduled to play an ODI series against Afghanistan in June but they were concerned about the availability of their star opener Tamim Iqbal. The left-hander picked up an injury during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) where he represented the Peshawar Zalmi. He played the Eliminator 1 but couldn’t take part in the second eliminator as well as the final.

He had travelled to Bangkok seeking an opinion from experts as he is troubled by the same knee that had to be operated a few years ago. Tamim has been advised rest for 5-6 weeks and is rehabilitating at the moment. The opener is confident of recovering in time for the Afghanistan series and the non-stop cricketing action that follows.

”It’s been four days since my rehabilitation program started. If I can complete the rehabilitation thoroughly, then there is chance of healing it completely,” Tamim said while interacting with the reporters at the media lounge at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

“It is important to complete the rehab program because there will be non-stop cricket when we resume our international duty. I am confident that there will be sufficient time to recover before the series against Afghanistan.

“My rehab program will be completed by May 7 or 8, while we are expected to begin our camp from May 10-12 and hopefully, it will be enough to get [myself] prepared,” he added.

BCB looking for a window

The Afghans will be hosting Bangladesh for the series in India and the three ODIs will be played in the new stadium in Dehradun. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has agreed for the series to be played in the neighbouring country while they are yet to finalize the dates of the fixtures with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).

Later this year, Afghanistan having recently earned Test status will be taking the first step into Test cricket with the match against India that starts on June 14 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. The ODI series is likely to be played just ahead of this match.

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