Tamim Iqbal, one of the Bangladeshcricket’s most prolific player, confirmed his retirement from international cricket through a heartfelt post on social media on Friday. The announcement marks his second retirement from the sport after a brief comeback last year.
Tamim’s last goodbye
In a detailed statement on his official Facebook page, Tamim Iqbal revealed that he made his decision after much thought. Despite efforts by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to bring him back for the upcoming Champions Trophy, the former captain remained firm on his selection.
“I have been away from international cricket for a long time. That distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over. I’ve thought about this for a long time. Now that a big event like the Champions Trophy is coming up, I don’t want to be the focus of anyone’s attention, which could cause the team to lose focus. Of course, I didn’t want it to happen before,” Tamim wrote.
The veteran batsman acknowledged the efforts of captain Najmul Hossain Shant and the selection committee to convince him to reconsider his decision. However, in the end he decided to listen to his heart.
“Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to come back to the team. There were also discussions with the selection committee. I am grateful to them that they still consider me in the team. However, I listened to my own heart,” he added.
The legacy of Tamim Iqbal
Tamim made his international debut in February 2007 against Zimbabwe. Over the years, he has become one of Bangladesh’s most reliable batsmen. His aggressive style, especially at the top of the order, has been instrumental in many of the team’s historic victories.
With 70 Tests, 243 ODIs and 78 T20Is under his belt, Tamim ranks among Bangladesh’s top run-scorers across all formats. He is second in the overall run chart for Bangladesh, just behind Mushfiqur Rahim. Moreover, he holds the record for most international centuries by a Bangladeshi batsman.
An emotional rollercoaster
Tamim’s relationship with international cricket has been turbulent. His first retirement took place in July 2023, during an emotional press conference. However, that decision was quickly overturned following the intervention of then Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who asked Tamim to reconsider.
Despite his return to the team, Tamim took a long break from international cricket. His final decision to retire came after a meeting with the Bangladesh coach in Sylhet earlier this week. The committee headed by Gazi Ashraf Hossain has asked him to make himself available for the Champions Trophy. However, Tamim remained determined.
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“I removed myself from the BCB central contract a long time ago as I did not want to return to international cricket,” Tamim wrote. “Many said that I left the matter alone. Why would anyone discuss a cricketer who is no longer on BCB’s list of contracted players? I voluntarily stepped down more than a year ago.”
The cricket giant says goodbye
Tamim’s contribution to Bangladesh cricket is undeniable. From his fearless knocks against top teams to his leadership as captain, he has been the pillar of the team’s growth. His decision to retire may leave a void, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
As Bangladesh prepare for the Champions Trophy, they will miss the experience and aggression that Tamim brought to the field. However, his decision to retire with dignity shows his commitment to not becoming a distraction to the team.
“The decision to retire or continue playing is the right of a cricketer or any professional sportsperson. I took my time. Now I feel the time has come,” Tamim concluded.
With January 12 being the deadline to announce the squad for the Champions Trophy, Bangladesh will now look ahead to the future without one of their most celebrated players.
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