Tamim Iqbal Denies Hate Crime As Reason Behind Essex Exit
Jul 14, 2017 at 12:55 PM
Bangladesh star Tamim Iqbal has quashed reports suggesting that he cut short his Essex stint due to a hate crime against his family in London.
Earlier this week, the opening batsman ended his ties with the County outfit after playing just one game, citing personal reasons. Essex had confirmed Tamim’s departure but did not reveal the reason for the batsman’s abrupt decision to end the contract which was signed for eight NatWest T20 blast matches.
“Essex County Cricket Club can confirm that overseas player, Tamim Iqbal, has left the Club with immediate effect due to personal reasons. We wish him all the best and it would be appreciated if his privacy is respected,” Essex had said in a statement.
Later, reports in Bangladesh media had suggested that Tamim left England after his family came under an acid attack at a restaurant. Bangladesh news outlet The Daily Star had reported that the batsman along with his wife, who wears a hijab and one-year-old son was dining out when some miscreants chased them and attempted to throw acid at his wife.
However, Tamim has denied all the reports and confirmed that he cut short his stint due to personal reasons. He also said that he was looking forward to playing more matches in England in future.
“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. Some media reported that we were the target of attempted hate crime. This is really not true,” Tamim wrote on Facebook.
“England is one my of favourite 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,” he added.
The left-handed batsman was roped in by Essex after his impressive show in the ICC Champions Trophy last month where he finished the tournament as its third highest run-scorer. He had scored 293 runs in four matches with the help of one century and a couple of half-centuries.