Tamim Iqbal retires from international cricket

Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh's second-most successful batter, has officially brought his international cricket journey to an end.

The country's most accomplished opener will no longer don the national jersey.

The announcement came on Friday night through cricketer’s social media accounts, putting an end to speculations that had lingered for a long time about his cricketing future.

The selection committee reportedly held two meetings with Tamim in Sylhet earlier in the week, hoping to persuade the veteran to return to the national team for next month’s Champions Trophy.

Later, chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain said that Tamim needed time to decide.

On Friday morning, after returning from the Bangladesh Premier League, BPL, in Sylhet, Tamim informed the board of his final decision.

In his farewell message, Tamim expressed that he did not wish to be a source of distraction for the team as they prepare for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

"I have been away from international cricket for a long time, and that gap will no longer be closed. My journey in international cricket has come to an end," he wrote.

Tamim added, "I have been contemplating this for a long time. With a major event like the Champions Trophy approaching, I do not want to be criticised further or cause any disruption to the team's focus."

Tamim's illustrious career concluded with 387 matches and 15,429 runs across three formats, making him the most successful Bangladeshi batsman in international cricket. Close behind him is Mushfiqur Rahim, with 15,300 runs. Tamim's career has been marked by numerous records and milestones, making him the first Bangladeshi to achieve many batting feats. His bat has provided the country with countless memorable moments in international cricket.

His most recent appearance for Bangladesh was in the ODI series against New Zealand in September 2023. After that series, Tamim withdrew from the ODI World Cup squad and has not returned to international cricket since. He last featured in a Test match against Ireland in April 2023 and announced his retirement from international T20s in July 2022.

Following his withdrawal from the national team before the ODI World Cup, Tamim continued to play in the Dhaka Premier League and the Bangladesh Premier League. In December 2023, he opted to forgo the Bangladesh Cricket Board, or BCB's central contract. Despite this, speculation about his return to the national team or potential retirement remained persistent. Tamim addressed this ongoing conversation during his farewell message.

"I removed myself from the BCB's central contract a long time ago. Despite this, there has been a lot of media attention, with many suggesting that I am the one who left the matter unresolved. But there is no point in planning or discussing someone who is no longer under any BCB contract, and who voluntarily stepped down over a year ago. Still, unnecessary discussions have persisted. The decision to retire or continue playing is ultimately the right of the cricketer, or any professional athlete. I have taken my time with this, and now I believe the time has come."

The night before the meeting with the selection committee, captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto had a lengthy conversation with Tamim, urging him to return to the team. In the days that followed, the captain continued to try to persuade his predecessor. Tamim expressed his gratitude for their efforts.

"Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return. There have been discussions with the selection committee as well. I am grateful to them for still considering me suitable. However, I listened to my own mind," Tamim said.

The emotional turmoil he endured before the 2023 ODI World Cup remains unresolved. Despite that, Tamim reflected on the love of the fans and the wishes of his son. Ultimately, though, he chose not to alter his decision.

"What happened before the 2023 World Cup was a huge shock for me, as I did not leave the team for cricketing reasons," Tamim shared.

"Even after that, wherever I went, many cricket fans expressed their desire to see me return to the national team. I thought about their love for me. I also have a fan at home—my son. He has never told me directly, but he has often mentioned to his mother that he wants to see his father play in the national jersey again."

Tamim continued, "I am sorry for disappointing the fans. I tell my son, 'The day you grow up, you will understand your father'."