DHAKA: Tamim Iqbal has resigned as Bangladesh`s vice-captain to focus more on his batting. He informed the BCB through a letter to Akram Khan, the chairman of the cricket operations committee.

The board had appointed him as Mushfiqur Rahim`s deputy for the series against Sri Lanka four days before the Dhaka Test that started on January 27.

He was given the same role on Saturday when Mashrafe Mortaza was named captain for the two-match Twenty20 series after Mushfiqur was rested due to a finger injury, reports cricinfo.com.

"With such a long season coming up, I think it is in the best interest of the team that I focus on my batting," Tamim said. "The role of the vice-captain has certain off-field duties, although it is not that visible on the field."

Nazmul Hassan, the BCB president, said that Mashrafe`s experience as an international captain convinced him to give the latter the interim job. He added that he is yet to speak to Tamim on the issue.

BDST: 1021 HRS, FEB 10, 2014