Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal who is also their ODI captain will miss the T20I series against New Zealand for personal reasons. The series will begin on March 28 after the completion of the ODI leg and Tamim has said that the decision has been communicated to the head coach Russell Domingo and the national selection committee.
"Before coming to New Zealand, I had informed the head coach and chief selector that I won't be available for the T20I series. It is for personal reasons. My best wishes are with the team. When the coach said that we have an opportunity to do well here, it includes the T20Is as well,” Iqbal said on Thursday.
Bangladesh selectors are yet to announce the squad for the T20I series and the presence of Iqbal, who is their only centurion and the highest run-getter in the format would have been crucial for the team's success in New Zealand. Tamim's lack of match practice would also be a point of concern going into the T20 World Cup given the Tigers only play Zimbabwe and England to the build-up of ICC's premier tournament.