"Most important thing is to ensure that you’re not harming each other" - Tamim Iqbal opens up on his relationship with Shakib Al Hasan
Bangladesh batter Tamim Iqbal has refused to go into the details of his strained relationship with all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan after they had a fall-out last year. Tamim announced his retirement while captaining the side in July 2023 but reversed his decision a day later.
However, despite playing the ODIs against New Zealand two weeks before the 50-over World Cup in India, Tamim was excluded from the squad for the marquee tournament.
While his recurring back injury was cited as the reason, the 35-year-old was reported to have had a verbal spat with Shakib regarding his batting position for the World Cup.
With Shakib recently announcing his retirement from T20Is and Tests, Tamim Iqbal spoke about their relationship during an interview with Sportstar.
"Relationships go through ups and downs. The most important thing is to ensure that you’re not harming each other because, ultimately, you’re both playing for the country. I have never spoken out in the media or publicly blamed him or anyone else," Tamim said.
However, the opening batter was quick to praise Shakib as Bangladesh's 'biggest superstar' for his incredible achievements.
"However, I genuinely believe that what Shakib has done for Bangladesh is truly remarkable. You cannot deny that, regardless of whether you have a good relationship with him or not. He is the biggest superstar in Bangladesh," he stated.
Tamim is Bangladesh's second leading run-scorer across formats with 15,192 runs, while Shakib is third with 14,730 runs. The latter is also Bangladesh's all-time leading wicket-taker across formats with 712 scalps in 447 outings.
"I believe if our relationship had lasted longer, it could have been a game-changer for Bangladesh cricket" - Tamim Iqbal on Shakib Al Hasan
Tamim Iqbal feels his fractured relationship with Shakib Al Hasan after last year's fall-out has ultimately been a detriment to Bangladesh cricket. Considering the duo's accomplishments in international cricket, they could have added much more to the side's success.
"I believe if our relationship had lasted longer, it could have been a game-changer for Bangladesh cricket. Both of us have done well for the country, and I’d like to think that we both have a positive mindset and want the best for cricket in Bangladesh," Tamim said in the same interview.
Despite the recent differences, Tamim and Shakib have played with each other for almost two decades and contributed massively to Bangladesh's evolution in international cricket.