Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu traveled to Sylhet on January 8 to discuss Tamim’s inclusion in the squad. The meeting was attended by fellow selector Hannan Sarkar.

However, after the meeting Lipur didn’t give any clear answer to the media and kept the whole nation in dark again as he said Tamim will give the final decision soon.

“Outcomes don’t come immediately after discussions. When it comes to a player’s return, they may need to consult with friends, family, or well-wishers. Let’s keep the discussions private for now. I won’t give a direct answer; we need to wait for a final decision.” Lipu said.

Gazi Ashraf also mentioned that he did not receive a definitive answer from Tamim but remains hopeful that the situation will become clear in the next couple of days. He added, “As selectors, we inquired on behalf of the board if he would be available for the process. We haven’t received a complete response yet, but I hope everything will be clarified within a day or two.”

In a recent video, Tamim was seen speaking with former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi, where he mentioned being away from the national team. He added that he would attend the Champions Trophy but was unsure in what capacity. This statement has fueled questions among fans about whether Tamim will return to the national side.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) must submit a preliminary 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy to the ICC by January 12.

Tamim, who announced his retirement from international cricket in July 2023 before reversing his decision, now faces renewed scrutiny regarding his potential comeback. A final decision on his participation is expected soon.