It was earlier reported in the media that the prolific batsman from Bangladesh had ended his stint with English County side Essex because of a hate crime against him and his family. Tamim, though, emphatically denied such claims.
Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal on Wednesday clarified the reason for him leaving English County side Essex after playing just one match. It was reported in the Bangladeshi media that the prolific batsman had quit because of a hate crime against him and his family. Tamim, though, emphatically denied such claims.
The 28-year-old -- Bangladesh's highest international run scorer with more than 10,000 to his name in all forms of the game -- signed only last week for an eight game stint in the T20 Blast county competition. A report in Bangladesh's The Daily Star had stated that a horrific incident happened when Tamim was dining with his wife Ayesha Siddiqa, who wears a hijab, and their one-year-old son. The paper claimed the trio were chased out of the restaurant and had acid thrown at them, but they managed to escape unhurt.
Tamim took to Twitter to reveal the real reason for his exit. "Some reports of attempted hate crime against my family NOT true. Season at Essex shortened for personal reasons. #lovecricketinEngland," he wrote.
Here's Tamim's tweet:
Tamim appeared in Sunday's seven-wicket loss to Kent but on Tuesday Essex released a statement saying his stay was over. "Essex County Cricket Club can confirm that overseas player Tamim Iqbal has left the club with immediate effect due to personal reasons," the statement read. "We wish him all the best, and it would be appreciated if Tamim's privacy is respected during this time."
Tamim starred with the bat for Bangladesh in the recent Champions Trophy scoring a splendid century against England, falling five short of another century against Australia and hitting 70 in the semi-final against India.
(Inputs from PTI)
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 "cricket, Web Exclusive, Essex County Cricket Club, Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh, england, australia, Ayesha Siddiqa, Acid Attack, hat")
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