Dhaka: Opener Tamim Iqbal expressed his desire to play the upcoming National Cricket League (NCL) T20 format, slated to start on December 9, following the completion of the four-day version. But he needs to overcome the standard fitness process for this, said member of the national team selection panel Hannan Sarkar.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hannan Sarkar confirmed Tamim Iqbal’s interest to participate in the NCL T20 during a press briefing. Sarkar stated, “Tamim Iqbal had expressed his desire to play in the upcoming NCL T20. If he plays, he will certainly play for Chattogram Division because he hailed from there. We still don’t know how many matches he will play and when he will play but we still have the time at our hands. But what is mandatory is to undergo a standard fitness process. He would have to prove that he is fit to play.”
Tamim has been actively training at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in preparation for his return to competitive cricket. Initially, it was anticipated
that his comeback would be marked by his participation in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), for which he has been conditioning himself.
Having led Fortune Barishal to their first BPL title last year, Tamim remains a key player for Barishal, as he is retained for the upcoming 11th edition of the tournament. Sarkar emphasized the importance of fitness tests, stating, “It is our primary criteria that everyone will have to attend the fitness tests and there is a benchmark. Since it’s a benchmark Tamim will have to go through this process.”