Bangladesh cricket superstar Tamim Iqbal has taken to social media to deny a ‘hate crime’ against his family was behind his sudden departure from the UK.He had been contracted to play eight T20 matches for the Essex Eagles in the English domestic T20 competition, but left the country after just one match. He mentioned “personal reasons” for the sudden departure, but it was reported on some media that his wife and son had been targeted by a “hate crime”. Tamim wrote: “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. England is one my of 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,”Some reports of attempted hate crime against my family NOT true. Season at Essex shortened for personal reasons.#lovecricketinEngland
— Tamim Iqbal Khan (@TamimOfficial28) July 12, 2017“Some reports of attempted hate crime against my family NOT true,” Tamim wrote on Twitter.“Season at Essex shortened for personal reasons.”He added a hashtag that read ‘love cricket in England’ with the post.
Earlier on Tuesday, Essex had released a statement on their website announcing that Tamim would cut his stint short due to 'personal reasons'.
The Club can confirm Tamim Iqbal has departed with immediate effect due to personal reasons. https://t.co/M9sLkmJ5pF pic.twitter.com/SxFZmGFzAN
— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) July 11, 2017