Tamim Iqbal, one of the BangladeshThe most prolific cricketer, has confirmed his retirement from international cricket through a heartfelt post on social media on Friday. The announcement marks his second retirement from the sport after a brief comeback last year.
Tamim's final farewell
In a detailed statement on his official Facebook page, Tamim Iqbal revealed that his decision was made after much deliberation. Despite efforts by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to bring him back for the upcoming Champions Trophy, the former skipper stood firm on his selection.
“I have been away from international cricket for a long time. This 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 don't want to be in the limelight, which could lead to the team losing focus. Of course, I didn't want this to happen before,” wrote Tamim.
The veteran striker acknowledged the efforts of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and the selection panel to convince him to reconsider his decision. However, in the end he chose to listen to his heart.
“Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return to the team. There were also discussions with the selection committee. I am grateful to those who still consider me in the team. However, I have listened to my heart,” he added.
The legacy of Tamim Iqbal
Tamim made his international debut in February 2007 against ZIMBABWE. Over the years, he established himself as one of Bangladesh's most reliable batsmen. His aggressive style, especially at the top of the order, was instrumental in many of the team's historic victories.
With 70 Tests, 243 ODIs and 78 T20Is under his belt, Tamim ranks as one of Bangladesh's top run-scorers across all formats. He stands second in the overall rankings for Bangladesh, just behind Mushfiqur Rahim. Additionally, he holds the record for the most international centuries by a Bangladeshi batsman.
Emotional Rollercoaster
Tamim's relationship with international cricket has been turbulent. His first retirement came in July 2023, during an emotional press conference. However, this decision was quickly overturned following the intervention of the then Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, who asked Tamim to reconsider.
Despite returning to the team, Tamim took a long break from international cricket. His final decision to retire came after a meeting with the Bangladesh selectors in Sylhet earlier this week. The panel headed by Gazi Ashraf Hossain asked him to make himself available for the Champions Trophy. However, Tamim remained determined.
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“I took myself out of the central BCB contract a long time ago because I didn't want to go back to international cricket,” Tamim wrote. “Many have said that I left the case pending. Why would anyone discuss a cricketer who is no longer on BCB's contracted list? I left voluntarily over a year ago.”
A cricket giant says goodbye
Tamim's contributions to Bangladesh cricket are undeniable. From his fearless knocks against the top teams to his stint as captain, he has been a pillar of the team's growth. His decision to step down may leave a void, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
As Bangladesh prepare for the Champions Trophy, they will miss the experience and aggression that Tamim brought to the field. However, his decision to retire with dignity shows his commitment to not becoming a distraction to the team.
“The decision to retire or to continue playing is the right of a cricketer or any professional sportsperson. I have given myself time. Now I feel that the time has come”, concluded Tamim.
With the January 12 deadline to announce the squads for the Champions Trophy, Bangladesh will now look ahead to a future without one of its most famous players.
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