Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal on Tuesday ruled out that his was family was a target of hate crime that prompted him quitting English county club Essex after playing just one match.
Reports in some local paper suggested that Tamim decided to leave after a few unidentified people chased his family, attempting to throw acid at his wife Ayesha Siddiqa in London when they were out for dinner.
‘I want all my fans and well wishers to know that I cut short my season with Essex to come back home early for personal reasons,’ Tamim wrote in his official Facebook page.
‘Some media reported that we were the target of attempted hate crime. This is really not true.
‘England is one of my favorite places to play cricket and Essex have been entirely gracious even though I had to leave early.
‘I thank all my fans and well wishers for their concern and messages and look forward to going back to England for future matches,’ Tamim said.
Essex on Tuesday confirmed that Tamim Iqbal left the club due to personal reasons.
BCB chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury said they would not make any comment as the matter was personal.
‘We respect his privacy,’ he said.
Tamim’s elder brother Nafees Iqbal said he had spoken to the opener over the matter but declined to make any comment.
Tamim, who had been travelling with his family, is expected to return home today.
Tamim failed to make a mark on his NatWest T20 Blast debut for Essex Eagles as he could only score run-a-ball seven against Kent Spitfires at Kent County Cricket Ground in London on Sunday.
Tamim was expected to be available for Essex till the first week of August before returning for Tigers’ forthcoming home series against Australia.
Source: New Age
