Masrafe Bin Mortaza, former Bangladesh captain and a current MP, contended that Tamim Iqbal's absence from the World Cup squad was a matter of choice rather than Bangladesh Cricket Board's decision.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) unveiled the World Cup squad on Tuesday, sans Tamim Iqbal.

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Chief selector Minhajul Abedin attributed Tamim's omission to concerns about his injuries, but Masrafe put forth a different perspective.

"While many assert that Tamim was left out, the truth is that Tamim chose not to be part of the team," Mashrafe stated. "There is a significant distinction between exclusion and a voluntary decision not to join."

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Masrafe shared his take on his social media account after the team was announced. He was spotted at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, the same day the squad was unveiled. It remains uncertain whether he played a part in any deliberations regarding the team selection.

Tamim's exclusion from the World Cup squad reverberated as a surprising development within Bangladesh's cricketing circles. The esteemed opener has grappled with a longstanding injury.

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He sat out the Asia Cup due to the same reason, dedicating over a month to rehabilitation. He had to leave captaincy for the same as well. Tamim Iqbal made a return during the New Zealand series, batting in just one match before his injury resurfaced, leading to his absence from the final match.