Tamim Iqbal announces retirement from international cricket again

Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh's former captain and one of their most celebrated cricketers, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. This marks the second time Tamim has decided to step away from the international stage, having previously retired in July 2023 during an emotional press conference, only to reverse his decision within 24 hours after intervention from the then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina.  

Tamim confirmed his decision to retire during a discussion with Bangladesh's selection panel in Sylhet on Wednesday. Despite requests from selectors and teammates, including captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, to reconsider his decision, Tamim remained firm.  

"I have been away from international cricket for a long time," Tamim wrote on Facebook. "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," he further wrote.   

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had kept Tamim in contention for the upcoming Champions Trophy, citing his domestic form and fitness. He has not played an international game since 2023 but has excelled in domestic cricket. He led the Barishal franchise to the 2024 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) title, earning the Player of the Tournament award, and has been consistent in other domestic competitions.  

However, Tamim clarified that his decision to retire was long-standing and unrelated to his form.

"I removed myself from the BCB central contract a long time ago because I did not want to return to international cricket," he stated. "Many have said that I 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 further stated.   

The opening batter also addressed the controversies leading up to the 2023 ODI World Cup. He claimed that the BCB had created obstacles for his inclusion in the squad, and he faced criticism from then-captain Shakib Al Hasan, who called his behavior "childish." Tamim admitted that the incident deeply affected him.  

Reflecting on his retirement decision, Tamim expressed gratitude for his fans but remained resolute.

"Even after what happened, many cricket fans told me they wanted to see me back in the national team. I thought about their love. I also have a fan at home. My son has never told me this directly but he repeatedly told his mother that he wants to see his father play in the national jersey again. I am sorry for disappointing the fans. I have told my son, 'The day you grow up, you will understand your father," he concluded.   

With this announcement, Tamim brings down the curtain on an international career that spanned over a decade, during which he became Bangladesh's leading run-scorer in ODIs.