Bashar ‘confident’ of Tamim’s return before World Cup

Bangladesh selector Habibul Bashar is "confident" of seeing Tamim Iqbal fit to play the upcoming white-ball New Zealand series, sandwiched between the Asia Cup and the ICC World Cup, at home in late September.  

Tamim is currently undergoing rehabilitation after injury forced the opening batter to step down as ODI captain, leading to him getting sidelined from the Asia Cup squad. Bashar considers Tamim's experience invaluable for the Tigers. 

"Tamim is working hard and trying a lot to make a comeback. I think he will return before time. I am confident of getting him back in the New Zealand series," Habibul told reporters in Mirpur today.

"We need Tamim very much for the World Cup. Tamim's experience, Tamim's performance is very necessary for us to do well," added the former Bangladesh captain. 

Asked about another experienced player, Mahmudullah Riyad, who could not make it into the 17-member side despite many suggesting his experience could have aided the side in such a big tournament, Bashar chose to take a different route this time.  

"I think the question has been asked many times before. This question has been cleared many times before. It's good to think about the Asia Cup team we have now and prepare our plans around them."