Bangladesh batter Tamim Iqbal has opted out of the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup to be played in the United Arab Emirates. The left-hander hasn’t played the 20-over format since the Tigers’ home series against Zimbabwe back in March 2020. In fact, since January 2019, the Chittagong-born cricketer has taken part in only three T20Is. ''As I did not play in the last 15 to 20 T20 matches, and whoever replaced me, I don't think it would be fair on them if I take their place," the southpaw said through a video message on Facebook. However, Tamim noted that he isn't retiring from the format. Tamim suffered a knee injury during the Test series against Sri Lanka in April. He subsequently missed the T20I series versus Zimbabwe and the home series against Australia. He is also not a part of the Bangladesh squad for the five-match T20I rubber versus New Zealand.

"I just called board president Papon bhai (Nazmul Hasan) and chief selector Nanno bhai (Minhajul Abedin) few minutes back and said that I don't think I should be playing in the World Cup and I am not available for it. I have taken that decision and I will stick to it. I am not retiring. It is just that I am not available for this World Cup. ''I think game-plan in one of the biggest reasons, because I am not playing this format for a long time and second... (knee) injury, but I don't think that is a big problem because I feel I will be okay before the World Cup," he added. Tamim is currently the second-highest run-scorer for the Tigers in T20Is.  In 74 matches, the veteran has notched 1701 runs at an average of 24.65 with one century and seven half-centuries. He remains the only cricketer from Bangladesh to score a T20I ton. The ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman is scheduled to begin from October 17.