Tamim Iqbal, one of the BangladeshThe most prolific cricketer, confirmed his retirement from international cricket through a heartfelt post on social media on Friday. This announcement marks his second retirement from the sport after a brief comeback last year.
Tamim’s final farewell
With a detailed statement on his official Facebook page, Tamim Iqbal revealed that his decision was made after much thought. Despite efforts by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to bring him back for the upcoming Champions Trophy, the former skipper stood firm on his selection.
“I have been away from international cricket for a long time. This distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over. I’ve been thinking about it for a while. Now that a big event like the Champions Trophy is coming up, I don’t want to be the center of attention for anyone, which could lead to the team losing focus. Of course, I didn’t want this to happen before,” Tamim wrote.
The veteran batsman acknowledged the efforts of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and the selection committee to convince him to reconsider his decision. However, in the end he chose 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 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 reliable batsmen. His aggressive style, particularly 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 as one of Bangladesh’s top run-scorers across all formats. It is second in the general charts for Bangladesh, only behind Mushfiqur Rahim. Additionally, he holds the record for most international centuries by a Bangladeshi batsman.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Tamim’s relationship with international cricket has been turbulent. His first retirement came in July 2023, during an emotional press conference. However, this decision was quickly overturned following the intervention of the then Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, who asked 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. However, Tamim remained resolute.
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“I pulled out of the BCB central contract a long time ago because I didn’t want to come back to international cricket,” Tamim wrote. “Many said I left the matter hanging. Why should anyone discuss a cricketer who is no longer on BCB’s contracted list? I resigned voluntarily more than a year ago.”
A cricketing giant bids farewell
Tamim’s contributions to Bangladesh cricket are undeniable. From his fearless knocks in top teams to his leadership as captain, he has been a pillar of the team’s development. 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 not to distract the team.
“The decision to retire or continue playing is the right of a cricketer or any professional sportsperson. I have given myself time. Now I feel the time has come,” concluded Tamim.
As the January 12 deadline to announce the Champions Trophy squads approaches, Bangladesh will now look ahead to the future without one of their most celebrated players.
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2025-01-10 18:49:00
