Tamim refutes hate crime rumours

Bangladesh

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has taken to social media to refute claims that his wife was the subject of a failed hate crime attack.

Rumours began circulating yesterday in a number of publications after it was announced that Tamim would return to Bangladesh for personal reasons.

The Tigers opener had signed on to play 8 Natwest T20 Blast matches for the Essex Eagles but having just arrived in England opted to leave suddenly.

Tamim enjoyed a stellar Champions Trophy and enjoys a good record in England which encouraged the county to contract the big hitter.

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The news of his return prompted some publications to run with the news that his wife may have been the target of an acid attack while dining out on Monday.

The batsman tweeted in response: “Some reports of attempted hate crime against my family NOT true. Season at Essex shortened for personal reasons.#lovecricketinEngland.”

The club released a statement which offered no further detail but asked for Tamim’s privacy to be respected.

The statement read: “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 Tamim’s privacy is respected during this time.”

It is unclear at this stage if Essex will seek to contract another overseas player for the Blast campaign.

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