Tamim flees ‘acid attack’

Star Bangladesh cricket batsman Tamim Iqbal quit his English county contract with Essex after his family was reportedly the subject of an acid attack.

Bangladesh’s Daily Star website reported Tamim, his wife Ayesha Siddiqa and oneyear-old son returned home after the alleged incident while they were dining at a restaurant.

The Daily Star report, citing a source close to the Bangladesh Cricket Board, said Tamim’s wife – who wears a hijab – was targeted by people who ‘‘attempted to throw acid at her’’.

There were no further details given, including where the alleged attack happened.

Tamim played just one of his contracted eight Twenty20 Blast matches for Essex, scoring seven in their loss to Kent at the weekend.

Essex yesterday confirmed Tamim’s departure on its website, without giving details.

‘‘Essex County Cricket Club can confirm that overseas player, Tamim Iqbal, has left the club with immediate effect due to personal reasons,’’ the statement read.

‘‘We wish him all the best and it would be appreciated if Tamim’s privacy is respected during this time.’’

Tamim, 28, is one of his country’s top players and averaged 73.25 in Bangladesh’s semifinal run at the recent Champions Trophy.

The left-hander, who played six Twenty20 matches for Wellington in the 2012-13 New Zealand domestic season, has 49 tests and 173 ODIS to his name and has scored a combined 17 centuries in both formats of the game.