Bangladesh’s seasoned opening batsman, Tamim Iqbal, is set to return to competitive cricket for the first time in several months, with his participation confirmed for the upcoming National Cricket League (NCL) T20 tournament. Scheduled to take place from December 11 to 23, the tournament will feature eight divisional teams competing for supremacy in the country’s premier domestic T20 competition.
Tamim, who has not played in any international matches since last year, was last seen in action during the 2024 Dhaka Premier League, Bangladesh’s traditional List A competition. The 35-year-old has been seen training regularly at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, sparking speculation about his potential return to the national team. However, the veteran batsman, who has not formally announced his retirement from Tests or One-Day Internationals, has left the door open for a possible international return.
The uncertainty surrounding Tamim’s future with the Bangladesh national team was further highlighted when Hannan Sarkar, a member of the national selection panel, spoke to the media on Wednesday. While he was unable to confirm whether Tamim had expressed an interest in returning to international cricket, he did confirm the opener’s intention to participate in the NCL T20 tournament.
“Tamim has shown interest in playing in the NCL T20. At this point, we are still assessing the situation. We don’t know yet how many matches he will play, but if he does participate, he will represent Chattogram Division,” Hannan told reporters during a press briefing.
As part of the process, all players will need to undergo a fitness test before being considered for selection. Hannan noted that the fitness benchmark is a crucial criterion for all participants, but senior players like Tamim might be given some leeway if they fall short of the required standards.
“Fitness tests are mandatory, and there are set benchmarks. While we have allowed senior players a bit of flexibility in the past, they still need to clear the fitness assessments,” added Hannan.
While Tamim’s precise intentions remain unclear, his decision to compete in the NCL T20 could be part of his preparation for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), a major T20 competition that will follow the NCL tournament. His participation in the NCL could help him regain match fitness and form ahead of the BPL, where he is expected to play a significant role.
The NCL T20 tournament will feature the top domestic players from across Bangladesh, and Tamim’s inclusion in the Chattogram Division team is expected to generate significant interest, particularly if he uses the tournament as a platform for a potential return to the national fold.
With Bangladesh’s busy cricketing calendar in the coming months, the prospect of Tamim Iqbal returning to the international scene, either for the ongoing ODI or Test series, remains a tantalizing possibility. Fans and selectors alike will be keenly watching his performances in the NCL T20 as they await further updates on his cricketing future.
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