Tamim Iqbal eyes international cricket return with purposeful goals

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal, 35, has hinted at a potential return to international cricket after stepping away from the game in 2023, a move that surprised fans and players alike. His exit followed a tumultuous period that included a public disagreement with then-captain Shakib Al Hasan, which ultimately resulted in his absence from the 2023 ODI World Cup.

With the newly appointed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President, Faruque Ahmed, encouraging his comeback, the cricketing community is abuzz with speculation about Tamim’s future. In a recent interview with Sportstar, Tamim expressed that any return would need to be purposeful rather than a fleeting appearance.

“The way I finished, it wasn’t pleasant. So, for me to come back and play, I need to have a purpose,” he stated. “I am not someone who would come back for the heck of it and then play just four or five games. What is the point?”

Tamim emphasized the need for a concrete plan from the BCB, suggesting that he would consider returning if there were clear goals, such as aiming for the semifinals in the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy. He highlighted the importance of unity among senior players and resolving any lingering differences.

“If they (the BCB) tell me that we want to win the Champions Trophy or at least qualify for the semifinals, and this will probably be the last tournament that the three or four senior players would play, then I can think about it,” he added.

The current Bangladesh team has been performing well under new captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, recently qualifying for the Super 8 stage in the 2024 T20 World Cup and securing a 2-0 Test series victory against Pakistan. However, Tamim remains contemplative about his role within the team structure.

“Do I play for the cricket board, or do I play for the team? Where should this approach (request) come from?” he questioned. “The cricket board looks after me, but the players also need to be welcoming.”

Reflecting on his absence from the 2023 ODI World Cup, Tamim expressed disappointment but maintained hope for a more unified team approach moving forward. “You can have bad relationships, or there could be differences with people, but when it comes to the national interest, everybody should be one and there should not be any vindictiveness. Unfortunately, that happened,” he concluded.