Tamim Iqbal recently made a surprising announcement to retire from international cricket during a live news conference on national television. However, just a day later, he altered his decision.
The 34-year-old cricketer from Bangladesh has walked back on his sudden announcement of retirement from international cricket, which he had made only a day prior. He had mentioned during an emotional press conference on Thursday that the “right time” had come for him to step away from the game.
On Friday, Tamim met with Bangladesh’s prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, in Dhaka, following which he announced the reversal of his decision.
“After our extensive discussion, she urged me to return to cricket,” shared Tamim. “I could decline anyone else, but it’s simply impossible to decline the most significant person in the country.”
Tamim, who leads the one-day international (ODI) team of Bangladesh, had made his original announcement a day after participating in the first ODI of a three-match series against Afghanistan. Despite scoring only 13 off 21 balls and Afghanistan securing a 17-run win, he was heavily criticized, particularly by the Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan, for choosing to play even though he admitted to not being 100% fit.
Tamim holds the unique distinction of being the only Bangladeshi cricketer to have scored centuries in all three formats of the game. Having retired from Twenty20 internationals in 2022, Tamim will now take some time off to rejuvenate himself both physically and mentally.
“From his press conference, it was clear that his decision was driven by emotions,” said Hassan. “We discussed his decision with him and the prime minister, and he has now confirmed that he is retracting his retirement letter. He is not retiring. Instead, he has decided to take a six-week break during which he will undergo rehab and prepare himself mentally and physically. We expect him to return to cricket soon.”
Tamim, who debuted internationally in February 2007, has taken part in 241 ODIs and scored a record 8,313 runs, including 14 centuries – the highest by a Bangladeshi batter. In addition, he scored 5,134 runs in 70 Test matches, including 10 centuries, and had stints in England with Nottinghamshire and Essex.
Meanwhile, Litton Das has been named the captain for the remaining matches of Bangladesh’s ODI series against Afghanistan on the 8th and 11th of July.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tamim Iqbal Retirement Reversal
Who is Tamim Iqbal?
Tamim Iqbal is a renowned cricketer from Bangladesh who has made significant contributions to the sport, including scoring centuries in all three formats of the game. He debuted internationally in February 2007 and has scored 8,313 runs in 241 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), both records for a Bangladeshi batter.
What was Tamim Iqbal’s original retirement decision?
Tamim Iqbal had announced his retirement from international cricket during a live news conference. He stated that it was the “right time” for him to step away from the game.
Why did Tamim Iqbal reverse his decision to retire?
A day after his retirement announcement, Tamim Iqbal had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina. Following this discussion, he decided to withdraw his retirement and return to the game.
How did the Bangladesh Cricket Board react to Tamim Iqbal’s original retirement decision?
The Bangladesh Cricket Board, specifically its president Nazmul Hassan, heavily criticized Tamim Iqbal’s decision to play despite not being fully fit. Upon Tamim’s retirement reversal, Hassan noted that his original decision seemed emotional, and he appreciated Tamim’s choice to take a break instead.
Who will captain the Bangladesh team in the remaining matches against Afghanistan?
Litton Das has been appointed as the captain for the remaining matches of Bangladesh’s One Day International series against Afghanistan.
More about Tamim Iqbal Retirement Reversal
- Tamim Iqbal’s Career Stats
- Bangladesh Cricket Board
- Bangladesh’s International Cricket Schedule
- Cricket Information and History
- News on Bangladesh Cricket
5 comments
It’s gud that our PM could convince him to come back. Tamim’s experience is crucial for the team.
Quiting one day and coming back the next? Sounds like a movie plot lol. But seriously tho, tamim’s retirement wouldve been a huge loss!
wait, he retired and then un-retired a day later?! Cricket drama seems as confusing as the game itself.
tamim is a true legend! Can’t imagine bangladesh team without him. Good he’s coming back.
Wow, didn’t expect Tamim to backtrack so quickly. But glad he did, he still got lot to offer to Bangladesh cricket.