Sports Desk:

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal said on Friday that he is excited to be part of Everest Premier League and looking forward to leave his mark in his maiden tour to Nepal.

Tamim’s participation in the tournament will mark his return to competitive cricket following two-month rehabilitation from a knee injury. Tamim, who had missed three successive T20I series – against Zimbabwe, Australia and New Zealand – owing to the injury and had withdrawn from the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, began his preparation at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from September 19.

Tamim had initially planned to play in the EPL as part of his preparation for the T20 World Cup but later decided not to be part of the global event.

“Nice I was pretty excited. I have never been to Nepal. It’s a beautiful country. I have been fortunate to play against Nepal in 2014 in World Cup in Bangladesh. I am really looking forward to play in the EPL and having a good tournament. I am here to win games for my team,’’ Tamim told reporters upon his arrival in Nepal on Friday. ‘Actually I was interested with the team and so I was very happy and looking forward to the challenge day after( in the opening game of my franchise),’’ he said adding that he is not aware of Nepal cricket.

“I don’t know too much to be honest but as I said I played one match but there is Lamichane who came to BPL and I know him and I know few of the players but not too much,’’ he said.

“I have been injured for last few months and I have been feeling good for last few weeks and I have been practicing quite well in Bangladesh. Hope I start well but I cannot predict,’’ he added.

Tamim will be representing Bhairahawa Gladiators in the competition and his franchise will open their account by taking on Pokhara Rhinos at the at TU Cricket Stadium, Kirtipur. Each team will play five matches in the league stage. This will be followed by an IPL-style playoff to determine the able hands which will hold the Everest Premier League 2021 trophy aloft. The tournament starts with the match between Kathmandu Kings XI and Lalitpur Patriots. The EPL was initially scheduled to start on March 14 but had to be postponed due to Covid-19.