Tamim announces end to his international cricket career

Sports Desk

Dhaka: Tamim Iqbal has announced that he will not return to international cricket. Despite chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu’s request to play in the upcoming Champions Trophy and a two-day consideration period, Tamim declared his decision through a Facebook post.

Tamim wrote, “I have been away from international cricket for a long time, and this distance will not be bridged. My chapter in international cricket is over. I have been thinking about this for a while. With the Champions Trophy ahead, I do not want any discussions around me to distract the team.”

He mentioned stepping away from the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) central contract over a year ago to avoid creating uncertainty. “Many said I delayed the matter, but I removed myself from the BCB contract voluntarily long ago. Discussions about me continued unnecessarily. Retirement or continuation is a personal decision for any professional athlete. I gave myself time and now feel that the moment has come,” he added.

Tamim thanked captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and the selection committee for their faith in him but emphasised that he followed his heart. He acknowledged the emotional support of cricket fans, mentioning how his son expressed a desire to see him play for Bangladesh again.

In July 2023, Tamim retired abruptly during a series but reversed his decision the next day following a request from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. After playing two matches in September 2023, he stayed away from international cricket, marking an unofficial pause before making his final announcement.