Tamim Iqbal to miss New Zealand T20Is for personal reasons

The 31-year old, who captains Bangladesh’s ODI side, has 1,758 runs in 78 T20I appearances but will not face New Zealand in his side’s upcoming three-match series

Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal has made himself unavailable for his country’s T20Is against New Zealand, citing personal reasons.

The 31-year old, who captains the ODI side, is his country’s leading scorer in cricket’s shortest format, scoring 1,758 runs in 78 matches, and the only  Bangladeshi to hit a T20I century.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, Iqbal said he had already informed head coach, Russell Domingo, and the selection committee about his decision.

"Before coming to New Zealand, I had informed the head coach and chief selector that I won't be available for the T20I series," he said.

 "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."

INTERNATIONAL FIXTURES

Bangladesh are in New Zealand for a six-match white-ball tour, consisting of three ODIs – the first of which is scheduled for Dunedin on March 20 - and three T20s (March 28 – April 1).

Bangladesh are yet to name their T20I squad.

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