Islamabad, Jan 11: Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh’s former captain and one of the country’s most celebrated cricketers, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career. This is the second time that Tamim has stepped away from international cricket, having previously announced his retirement in July 2023, only to reverse his decision within 24 hours after intervention from Bangladesh’s then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The decision was confirmed by Tamim during a meeting with Bangladesh’s selection panel in Sylhet on Wednesday. Despite efforts from selectors, teammates, and even captain Najmul Hossain Shanto to persuade him to reconsider, Tamim remained firm on his stance.
In a heartfelt message shared on Facebook, Tamim expressed his resolve, stating, “I have been away from international cricket for a long time. That distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over.” He revealed that the decision was one he had been contemplating for a long period. Tamim also emphasized that his retirement was not due to his form but rather his desire to avoid becoming a distraction as Bangladesh prepares for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Read More: Ahmed Shehzad Registers for PSL 10 Draft Despite Announcing Retirement
“I do not want to be the focus of anyone’s attention, which could lead to the team losing their focus,” he added, reflecting on the importance of supporting the team without drawing unnecessary attention to himself.
While Tamim’s retirement marks the end of his international career, his form in domestic cricket has been exemplary. He led Barishal to victory in the 2024 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he was named Player of the Tournament. His consistent performances in various domestic competitions further cemented his legacy as one of Bangladesh’s most prominent cricketing figures.
However, Tamim clarified that his decision to retire had nothing to do with his form or recent performances. “I removed myself from the BCB central contract a long time ago because I did not want to return to international cricket,” he explained. “Why would anyone discuss a cricketer who is no longer in BCB’s contracted list?”
Tamim also addressed some of the controversies surrounding his retirement and the 2023 ODI World Cup. He revealed that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had made it difficult for him to be included in the squad, leading to a fallout with then-captain Shakib Al Hasan, who had criticized Tamim’s actions as “childish.” The incident had a profound emotional impact on Tamim, but he chose not to dwell on the past.
Despite the challenges, Tamim expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support. He recalled how his young son often expressed a desire to see him back in the national team, though Tamim believes his son will understand his decision when he grows older. “I am sorry for disappointing the fans,” Tamim concluded, expressing heartfelt thanks for the love he had received over the years.
Tamim Iqbal’s retirement brings down the curtain on a remarkable international career that spanned over a decade. He is Bangladesh’s leading run-scorer in ODIs and has been a central figure in the team’s rise on the international stage. His retirement marks the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by fans and cricketers alike.
