Tamim Iqbal reveals he chose retirement over return despite requests from captain and selectors

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Former Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal revealed that both current captain Najmul Hasan Shanto and the selection committee had asked him to return to the team. However, the 35-year-old decided to retire from international cricket, following his heart. Tamim, who announced the end of his illustrious career spanning over 16 years in a heartfelt post on Facebook, has played 387 matches across formats, accumulating a remarkable 15,192 runs. He is regarded as one of the most iconic and prolific cricketers in the history of Bangladesh. "Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return to the team. There were also discussions with the selection committee. I am grateful to them for considering me for the team, but I’ve chosen to listen to my heart,” Iqbal shared in his post.

Tamim Iqbal retires as one of Bangladesh’s all-time cricket legends. His career began with a memorable debut in 2007, quickly establishing himself as a reliable opener for the Tigers. He played a crucial role in many of Bangladesh’s historic wins.

In Test cricket, Tamim scored 5,134 runs in 70 matches at an average of 38.89, including 10 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His aggressive stroke play against top bowling attacks set him apart, making him Bangladesh's second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. In ODIs, Tamim was a dominant figure, amassing 8,357 runs in 243 matches at an average of 36.65, with 14 centuries and 56 fifties. His ability to anchor innings or accelerate when required made him a key player in Bangladesh's 50-over setup.

In T20Is, Tamim’s adaptability was evident, as he scored 1,758 runs in 78 matches at a strike rate of 116.96, including a century, which was Bangladesh’s first-ever in T20I cricket. Tamim’s retirement story has been full of ups and downs. In July 2023, he shocked everyone by announcing his retirement mid-series, only to reverse his decision the very next day after discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, ongoing injuries and an extended absence from international cricket led him to retire for good. His final appearance came in September 2023 against New Zealand.