Tamim Iqbal has officially announced his retirement from international cricket for the second time. This decision comes after he had previously stepped away from the sport during an emotional press conference in July 2023. Tamim, who started his international career with Bangladesh in 2007, has played 70 Test matches, 243 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 78 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Just a day after his initial retirement in 2023, Tamim reconsidered his decision, thanks to a conversation with Bangladesh’s then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, during a meeting with the selection panel in Sylhet on Wednesday, he informed the selectors of his decision to retire again. Despite the team’s urge, led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, for him to return for the upcoming Champions Trophy, Tamim stood firm on his choice. After taking an extra day to think it over, he confirmed his retirement.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Tamim shared, “I have been away from international cricket for a long time. That distance will continue. My chapter in international cricket is over. I’ve been thinking about this for quite some time. With a major event like the Champions Trophy approaching, I don’t want to take the spotlight away from my teammates. I never intended for it to come to this either.”
He mentioned that Najmul Shanto had sincerely requested him to rejoin the team and thanked the selection committee for their consideration. However, Tamim emphasized that he was following his heart.
“The board’s wait for me was unnecessary, as I had removed myself from the central contract a long time ago,” he stated. “I stepped back because I did not want to return. Many have questioned why I’m still being discussed when I’m not even on the contracted list anymore. I made that decision more than a year ago.”
Tamim also pointed out that deciding whether to retire or continue playing is a personal choice for any athlete. “I’ve taken my time, and now I feel it’s the right moment to step away,” he concluded.
The last date for announcing squads for the Champions Trophy is set for January 12.
