In a major development for Bangladesh cricket, Tamim Iqbal opts out of BPL, surprising many fans who were expecting his comeback. The veteran opener, who has been one of the biggest names in the league since its beginning, has officially confirmed that Tamim Iqbal opts out of BPL this season after requesting the board to withdraw his name from the players’ draft.
Why Tamim Is Not Playing This Year’s BPL
The news that Tamim Iqbal opts out of BPL was confirmed when he personally requested BCB cricket operations manager Shahriar Nafees to remove his name. For the first time since the tournament began in 2012, Tamim is Iqbal opts out of BPL, breaking a long streak of appearances where he was consistently one of the most successful and reliable performers.
Over the years, Tamim led Fortune Barishal to back-to-back titles and proved his excellence as both captain and batter. But this season, Tamim Iqbal opts out of BPL due to multiple reasons. One major factor is his health. The 36-year-old has been away from professional cricket since March 2025 after suffering a heart attack during a domestic game. Since then, his full focus has been on recovery, and with no rush to return, Tamim Iqbal opts out of BPL to prioritize his well-being.
Another reason is the withdrawal of Fortune Barishal from the tournament. The franchise pulled out due to limited preparation time, and once that happened, Tamim Iqbal opts out of BPL became even more likely. The star opener understood that without proper buildup or support structure, returning to a high-pressure event like BPL was not the right move.
Political and Administrative Factors Behind the Decision
Apart from health and team issues, there were administrative reasons as well. Earlier this year, Tamim had shown interest in joining cricket administration by participating in BCB elections. However, he withdrew from the race due to alleged political interference. With all this happening, Tamim Iqbal opts out of BPL seems like a well-thought-out decision rather than a sudden announcement.
Even though Tamim Iqbal opts out of BPL, fans still hope to see him back in cricket once he feels fully ready. For now, Tamim Iqbal opts out of BPL to focus on recovery, stability, and future goals, marking a significant moment in his long and celebrated career.
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