The Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement and said that his chapter in international cricket has come to an end.
With BCB president Faruque Ahmed recently hinting on Tamim Iqbal’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy, his announcement has sparked
The left-handed batsman recently met the national selection panel which is preparing to pick Bangladesh squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and had been awaiting his decision.
“I have been away from international cricket for quite some time, and the gap will not close. My chapter in international cricket is over,” Tamim wrote in a Facebook post on Friday.
“I have been reflecting on this for some time, and with the Champions Trophy ahead, I don’t want discussions about me to disrupt the team’s focus. I stepped away from the national contract a long time ago for this reason, although the media sometimes suggested otherwise,” he said.
“For someone who hasn’t been in a BCB contract for a year, there’s no point in such discussions. Every cricketer has the right to decide their future, and I’ve taken my time to make this decision. Now, I feel the moment has arrived,” he added.
Tamim had earlier announced retirement on July 2023 and reversed his retirement announcement after the intervention of PM.
“Captain Nazmul Hossain sincerely requested me to return, and I also spoke with the selection panel. I am grateful they believe I am still capable, but I followed my heart,” he said.
“It was shocking for me to step away before the 2023 World Cup, not for cricketing reasons. Still, wherever I went, fans expressed their wish to see me in the national team again. I deeply considered their love and support,” he said.
Tamim also said how his son wanted to see him in the national colors but he insists the youngster will understand me.
“My son didn’t tell me directly, but he told his mother that he wants to see me in the national jersey. I’m sorry to disappoint the fans and told my son, ‘When you grow older, you will understand your dad’s decision,'” he concluded.
