|| CF DESK ||

The decision of Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB] cricket operation vice-chairman Khaled Mahmud to not play T20I for the country has startled him. BCB boss Nazmul Hasan Papon disclosed Tamim's intention on Saturday.

Speaking to the media, BCB chief Nazmul advised Tamim that he has opted not to play T20I cricket for Bangladesh and that there is no use in pressuring him to change his mind.

Many people were shocked by Papon's surprising remark, including Sujon.

Sujon told reporters on Sunday that he was startled to find that Tamim is no longer interested in T20 cricket.

“I am a bit surprised to be honest. I had spoken to Tamim on this before going to New Zealand [for the Test series]. I asked him the reason for not playing T20. I had told him, let me return and we will speak in details. I am yet to speak to him but before that Papon bhai [Nazmul Hasan] already spoke about it and that he had discussion with Tamim,” said BCB director Mahmud to the media at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.

“It is absolutely a personal call. It is not also that we had a top order batsman ready [to take his place]. But still, it is a personal decision. You cannot force anyone. We have to move forward, the cricket will not wait,” the former Bangladesh captain added.

In September, Bangladesh opener Tamim declared on Facebook that he would not be participating in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Oman and the United Arab Emirates.