On Thursday, July 6, the Bangladesh skipper announced his retirement. He later changed his mind.
Amidst a home ODI series against Afghanistan that was still in progress and months before the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, Tamim Iqbal unexpectedly announced his retirement from international cricket.
After Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister of Bangladesh, intervened, he changed his mind.
Tamim added, “This afternoon, I’ve been invited to the honorable prime minister’s house. She told me to go back to playing cricket after a lengthy debate. My retirement is being withdrawn.
“I can refuse anyone, but I can’t refuse the most important person in the nation.
While the BCB President was present, Mashrafe (Mortaza) contacted me. They played a significant role in changing my mind. The Prime Minister has also granted me a 1.5-month vacation. After my treatment is through, I’ll resume playing cricket.
Tamim has played for Bangladesh in 70 Tests, 241 ODIs, and 78 T20 Internationals to date. He has amassed over 15,000 runs for his country, including 25 centuries and 94 half-centuries.
The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match schedule has been released.
This is the end for me,” he said during a tearful press appearance on Thursday. I’ve done my best. I gave it my best effort. As of right now, I’m giving up playing international cricket.
“I would like to thank all of my teammates, coaches, BCB officials, my family, and all who have supported me along this difficult road. They still had faith in me.
I’d also like to thank the supporters. I was motivated to give Bangladesh my all because of your love and belief in me. For the upcoming chapter of my life, I would appreciate your prayers. Please remember to pray for me.
Following Tamim’s abrupt retirement for the remaining ODIs against Afghanistan, Litton Das was named Bangladesh’s interim ODI captain.
Iqbal, who made his international debut in 2007, has played for Bangladesh in 78 T20 matches, 241 ODIs, and 70 Test matches. The talented left-handed opener has scored over 15,000 runs, 25 centuries, and 94 half-centuries in international cricket.
Iqbal completed his T20I cricket retirement last year and played his final Test match against Ireland in April. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has not yet announced Tamim’s replacement for the 50-over match.