Bangladesh cricket icon Tamim Iqbal has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the second time he has bid farewell to the sport. Tamim first retired in July 2023 during an emotional press conference but reversed his decision within 24 hours following an intervention from Bangladesh’s then-prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.
This time, Tamim conveyed his decision to the Bangladesh selectors in Sylhet on Wednesday. Despite efforts from the Gazi Ashraf Hossain-led selection panel and requests from teammates, including captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tamim remained resolute. He took an additional day to reflect on their appeals but ultimately stood by his decision.
“I have been away from international cricket for a long time,” Tamim wrote on Facebook, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“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,” he added.
Tamim acknowledged the support he received, saying, “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.”
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had been holding out hope for Tamim’s return, especially given his recent stellar form in domestic cricket. He led Barishal to victory in the 2024 BPL, where he was named ‘Player of the Tournament.’ He also excelled in the Dhaka Premier League and the ongoing BPL season.
However, Tamim dismissed the BCB’s prolonged wait, calling it “unnecessary,” as he had already opted out of the central contracts for 2024, signaling his intent to stay away from international cricket.
“I removed myself from the BCB central contract a long time ago because I did not want to return to international cricket,” he 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,” he stated.
“Even after that, there has been unnecessary discussion. 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.