Tamim Iqbal poised for swift return

Tamim Iqbal is expected to return to cricket within two or three weeks, after he underwent arthroscopic evaluation and surgery on his left knee in Melbourne on Monday.

According to Dr David Young, the orthopaedic surgeon performed the procedure, the batsman will be able to make a comeback to nets following rehabilitation which will begin immediately.

Bangladesh's chief selector Faruque Ahmed said that Tamim will be considered for Bangladesh's 15-member World Cup squad, which is expected to be announced next week. Bangladesh will have a short camp at home from January 12, and Tamim is likely to return before the team leaves for Brisbane on January 24.

"He [Tamim Iqbal] will be considered one hundred per cent," Faruque told ESPNcricinfo. "The report has given us optimism as he will have ample time to rehabilitate from the surgery and begin nets in due time."

Tamim had complained of pain while playing for Legends of Rupganj in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League two weeks ago, following which the BCB sent him to see Dr Young.

According to a BCB press release, their senior physician Dr Debashis Chowdhury informed that "the BCB medical team will decide on the management plan for the player in consultation with Dr Young after evaluating the complete report on the surgery".