Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday.

In a Facebook post, Tamim stated: “I have been away from international cricket for quite some time, and that distance will not be bridged. My chapter in international cricket is closed.”

Having represented Bangladesh in 70 Tests, 243 ODIs, and 78 T20Is, Tamim has not played for the national team in over a year. This marks the second time the 35-year-old has retired, as he previously stepped away in 2023 during an emotional press conference, only to reverse his decision within 24 hours after intervention by the then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Speculations had been circulating about Tamim potentially returning for the Champions Trophy for a final appearance. With 8,357 ODI runs, he remains Bangladesh’s highest run-scorer in the format.

“I have been thinking about this for a long time,” Tamim said, adding “With the Champions Trophy approaching, I didn’t want any distractions about me to affect the team’s focus.”

He added, “I stepped away from the national contract a long time ago, yet rumors about my comeback kept surfacing in the media. A player out of the BCB contract for over a year doesn’t need to remain a topic of debate. I’ve taken my time and feel this is the right moment to make my decision.”

Tamim expressed gratitude toward captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto and the selectors for their support. “Captain Nazmul Hossain genuinely asked me to return, and I appreciate the selectors’ faith in me. However, I chose to follow my heart,” he said.

Addressing his exclusion from the 2023 ODI World Cup squad, Tamim described it as a painful experience. “What happened before the World Cup was shocking. I wasn’t excluded for cricketing reasons. Fans everywhere showed their desire for my return, and I am truly grateful for their love.”

Tamim also shared a personal moment involving his son, who wanted to see him play in national colors again. “My son told his mother he wanted to see me in the national jersey. I feel sorry to disappoint him and the fans, but I assured him, ‘When you grow older, you’ll understand why your dad made this decision,’” he said.

BDST: 0940 HRS, JAN 11, 2025
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