Bangladesh include Tamim Iqbal in Asia Cup squad

The selection committee had included Iqbal in the 14-member squad but was left out at the behest of Bangladesh Cricket Board president Mustafa Kamal Getty Images

By CricketCountry Staff

Dhaka: Mar 9, 2012

Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal, who was dropped from the Asia Cup squad, was recalled for the four-nation tournament that starts March 11.

"Tamim has been included after passing a fitness test," selector Minhajul Abedin was quoted saying by the Dawn.

Chief selector Akram Khan had resigned in protest over Iqbal s exclusion.

Khan resigned due to his differences with Bangladesh Cricket Board president Mustafa Kamal. The selection committee had included Iqbal in the 14-member squad but was left out at the behest of Kamal.

"I could not work independently. We had included Tamim in the squad but the president dropped him from the final list. Mr.Kamal's regular interference in selection matters is not acceptable. It has made all the players worried about their place in the team. I was not enjoying my job and felt it was better to resign," he said.

Iqbal featured in two games for the Chittagong Kings in the inaugural Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) due to a groin injury. But Khan said Iqbal's fitness was not an issue.

The Asia Cup features India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka besides hosts Bangladesh.

Bangladesh will play Pakistan in the opening match of the competition at Dhaka's Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.