Tamim Iqbal announces retirement from int’l cricket

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement from international cricket. He made the announcement in a post published on his verified Facebook page at 10:39 pm on Friday.

“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 in the post.

“I removed myself from the BCB central agreement long ago because I didn’t want it. Although many said, it’s been in the media many times, I’m the one hanging the matter. But there is nothing to plan or discuss about the BCB who is not in any agreement, who has stood away more than a year ago. Even after that, there was unnecessary discussion. The decision to retire or continue playing is the own right of a cricketer or any professional athlete. I gave myself time. Now I feel like the time has come,” he added. 

“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 said.

“What happened before the 2023 World Cup was a big shock for me, as I did not leave the team for cricketing reasons. Everywhere I go, many cricket fans said they want to see me again in the national team. I thought of their love. I also have a fan in my room. My son never told me straight, but repeatedly told his mom, wants to see Dad play in country jersey again. I’m sorry for disappointing fans. Telling my son, ‘The day you grow up, you will understand your father,” Tamim concluded.