TAMIM Iqbal has departed Essex just four days after joining the club.

The Bangladesh international batsman had signed a deal that was due to see him play eight NatWest T20 Blast matches for Essex.

But Tamim has decided to leave Chelmsford for ‘personal reasons’.

Some newspaper reports have suggested that Tamim’s decision to return to Bangladesh was due to his wife being the victim of an attempted acid attack.

But the opening batsman took to Facebook to deny those claims.

Tamim said: “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 favourite 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.”

Tamim only made one appearance for Essex.

The 28-year-old, who was the third highest run scorer in the Champions Trophy last month, could only score seven runs before he was dismissed in the seven-wicket defeat to Kent Spitfires on Sunday.

Essex released a brief statement after Tamim’s departure was confirmed.

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

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

The loss of the former Bangladesh Test captain has come at an awkward time for Essex.

Ryan ten Doeschate and his charges have been flying high in the County Championship, as they are currently 29 points clear at the top of the Division One standings.

But the Eagles have been defeated in their first two NatWest T20 Blast matches.

The departure of Tamim means that at least one change will be made to the side that lost in Beckenham last time out when Essex welcome Somerset to Chelmsford this evening.

Somerset have only featured in one NatWest T20 Blast fixture so far this term, with Surrey securing a four run win over them just two days after defeating the Eagles by two runs.

Somerset’s visit will then be followed by another home clash on Sunday, against Glamorgan.