Tamim Iqbal, one of Bangladesh’s most prolific cricketers, has confirmed his retirement from international cricket through a heartfelt social media post on Friday. This announcement marks his second retirement from the sport after a brief return last year.
Tamim’s Final Goodbye
In a detailed statement on his official Facebook page, Tamim Iqbal revealed that his decision was made after much contemplation. Despite the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) efforts to bring him back for the upcoming Champions Trophy, the former skipper stood firm in his choice.
“I have been away from international cricket for a long time. That distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over. I have been thinking about this for a long time. Now that a big event like the Champions Trophy is coming up, I do not want to be the focus of anyone’s attention, which could lead to the team losing their focus. Of course, I did not want this to happen before, too,” Tamim wrote.
The veteran batter acknowledged the efforts of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and the selection panel to persuade him to reconsider his decision. However, he ultimately chose to listen to his heart.
“Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return to the team. There were discussions with the selection committee too. I am grateful to them for still considering me in the team. However, I have 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 established himself as one of Bangladesh’s most dependable batters. His aggressive style, particularly at the top of the order, was instrumental in many of the team’s historic wins.
With 70 Tests, 243 ODIs, and 78 T20Is under his belt, Tamim ranks as one of Bangladesh’s highest run-scorers across all formats. He stands second in the overall run charts for Bangladesh, only behind Mushfiqur Rahim. Moreover, he holds the record for the most international centuries by a Bangladeshi batter.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Tamim’s relationship with international cricket has been a turbulent one. His first retirement came in July 2023, during an emotional press conference. However, that decision was quickly reversed following intervention by Bangladesh’s then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who requested Tamim to reconsider.
Despite returning to the team, Tamim took a prolonged break from international cricket. His final decision to retire came after a meeting with the Bangladesh selectors in Sylhet earlier this week. The Gazi Ashraf Hossain-led panel urged him to make himself available for the Champions Trophy. Still, Tamim remained resolute.
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“I removed myself from the BCB central contract a long time ago because I did not want to return to international cricket,” Tamim wrote. “Many have said that I have left the matter hanging. Why would anyone discuss a cricketer who is no longer in BCB’s contracted list? I voluntarily stepped down more than a year ago.”
A Cricketing Giant Says Farewell
Tamim’s contributions to Bangladesh cricket are undeniable. From his fearless knocks against top teams to his leadership stint as captain, he has been a pillar of the team’s growth. His decision to step away may leave a void, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
As Bangladesh gears up 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 for the team.
“The decision to retire or continue playing is the right of a cricketer or any professional sportsman. I have given myself time. Now I feel that the time has come,” Tamim concluded.
With the January 12 deadline for announcing squads for the Champions Trophy looming, Bangladesh will now look ahead to the future without one of its most celebrated players.
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