In a surprising announcement on Thursday, Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has retired from international cricket. The decision comes after Bangladesh’s loss in the first ODI against Afghanistan and just three months ahead of the World Cup in India. In an emotional press conference, the 34-year-old Tamim, with teary eyes, bid farewell to a 16-year-long career, during which he became Bangladesh’s most successful batter. He accumulated 8313 runs from 241 ODIs, with an average of 36.62, including 14 centuries and 56 fifties.
Tamim’s retirement from ODIs and Tests follows his decision to retire from T20Is in June 2022. In Tests, he is only behind Mushfiqur Rahim with 5134 runs. While the exact reason behind his sudden retirement is unknown, reports suggest that his strained relationship with Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha and BCB president Nazmul Hossain may have played a role.
Unconfirmed reports state that Nazmul is displeased with Tamim’s decision and plans to discuss it with the captain. However, as of now, Tamim’s retirement stands. Bangladesh is yet to announce a replacement, but Shakib-Al-Hasan or Litton Das are likely candidates, having captained the team in T20Is and Tests, respectively.
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“This is the end for me. I have given my best. I am retiring from international cricket from this moment. Yesterday against Afghanistan was my last international game,” expressed Tamim Iqbal with tears in his eyes. “I thought this is the right time for me to retire. I want to thank all my teammates, coaches, BCB officials, my family members, and those who have been with me throughout my long journey. I also want to thank the fans. Your love and faith in me inspired me to give my very best for Bangladesh. I ask for your prayers for the next chapter of my life.”
Bangladesh Legend Tamim Iqbal breaks in tears announcing sudden retirement before WC and Asia Cup. 34-years old batter scored over 8K ODI runs. He had scored a fifty in 2007 WC against India too. pic.twitter.com/rDB2fqXIHk
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) July 6, 2023
Tamim has faced several injuries over the past year, including a thumb injury, lower back issues, and a groin injury. Consequently, he has made sporadic appearances for Bangladesh since November 2021, missing series against Pakistan, New Zealand, and most recently, the Afghanistan Tests.
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As captain, Tamim led the team in 37 ODIs, winning 21 of them. His win percentage of 60 is the highest among all 15 captains who have led the national side, surpassing even the most-capped captain Mashrafe Mortaza, whose win percentage was 58.13.
Tamim made his debut for Bangladesh in 2007 at the age of 16 and quickly showcased his talent with an impressive half-century against India in the World Cup. His Test career also began on a high note, scoring 84 against New Zealand in Dunedin. Over the years, Tamim evolved into a cricket superstar, amassing over 15,000 runs in international cricket, including 25 centuries.
