Tamim also revealed that stepping down was not an easy decision, “Everyone in the team has the same goal. We want to do really well in the World Cup whether I am captain or not. If I say that I am not sad, it will not be true. I am definitely sad. But when it comes to the country, one cannot be selfish. I have also spoken to the Prime Minister. He asked me to continue as a player.”
Tamim will return to cricket next September from the home series against New Zealand. He will not take part in the Asia Cup starting on 30 August. Tamim also explained why he would not take part in the Asia Cup, “If I had insisted on (my rehabilitation), I could have played in the Asia Cup. But I am hopeful that I will be back fully fit against New Zealand.