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Tamim Iqbal announced on social media that he has retired from international cricket, ending speculations about his return to the side for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Tamim Iqbal has retired from international cricket. (Image: AFP)
One of Bangladesh’s all-time greats, Tamim Iqbal announced on social media of his decision to retire from international cricket on Friday.
The left-handed opener had reportedly met with the selection panel who are currently preparing the national team’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 and they had been waiting on Iqbal’s decision.
“I have been away from international cricket for quite some time, and the gap will not close. My chapter in international cricket is over,” Tamim wrote in a Facebook post on Friday.
The 35-year-old cricketer did not want discussions around his availability to disrupt the side’s focus and hence decided to step aside.
“I have been reflecting on this for some time, and with the Champions Trophy ahead, I don’t want discussions about me to disrupt the team’s focus. I stepped away from the national contract a long time ago for this reason, although the media sometimes suggested otherwise,” he said.
“For someone who hasn’t been in a BCB contract for a year, there’s no point in such discussions. Every cricketer has the right to decide their future, and I’ve taken my time to make this decision. Now, I feel the moment has arrived,” he added.
Iqbal had also mentioned that the captain as well as his son had wanted the veteran to return to the national side and a return was being considered. But in the end he decided to not play for the national team and in turn announced his retirement from international cricket.
“Captain Nazmul Hossain sincerely requested me to return, and I also spoke with the selection panel. I am grateful they believe I am still capable, but I followed my heart,” he said.
“It was shocking for me to step away before the 2023 World Cup, not for cricketing reasons. Still, wherever I went, fans expressed their wish to see me in the national team again. I deeply considered their love and support,” he said.
“My son didn’t tell me directly, but he told his mother that he wants to see me in the national jersey. I’m sorry to disappoint the fans and told my son, ‘When you grow older, you will understand your dad’s decision,'” he concluded.
