For the second time in his career, Tamim Iqbal has called an end to his international career. The Bangladesh Cricket Team veteran batter has announced that his time in international cricket has ended right before the ICC Champions Trophy. Back in July of 2023 he had retired only to change his decision a day later after then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked him to reconsider.
On the 8th of January, Tamim informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that he would hang his boots. But the selectors asked him to take a day to reconsider given the ICC Champions Trophy is just a month away. However, the star player has decided not to make a U-Turn and stick to his decision.
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Not just the selectors, but the captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and some other players too had asked Tamim to play for the country.
No Tamim Iqbal for Champions Trophy
“I have been away from international cricket for a long time. That distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over. I have been thinking about this for a long time. Now that a big event like the Champions Trophy is coming up, I do not want to be the focus of anyone’s attention, which could lead to the team losing their focus. Of course, I did not want this to happen before, too,” Tamim wrote on social media.
“Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return to the team. There were discussions with the selection committee too. I am grateful to them for still considering me in the team. However, I have listened to my own heart,” he added.
The BCB wanted to wait till the last moment to see if the player had a change of heart. However, that isn’t going to be the case. Tamim last played an international match back in September of 2023 and hasn’t featured for his country. After making his U-turn he was not selected in the 15-member squad for the ODI World Cup.
In the meantime, Tamim played domestic cricket and even won the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in 2024. He even refused the BCB Central Contract in 2024.
