DHAKA: Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal has withdrawn his retirement from international cricket after a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Friday. The veteran opener had shocked his teammates with his sudden resignation a day earlier following his team’s defeat against Afghanistan in the first match of a three-match one-day series.
Tamim, 34, broke down in tears while announcing his immediate retirement from international cricket. However, after meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her residence in Dhaka, Tamim had a change of heart. BCB director Jalal Yunus confirmed the development, stating that Tamim had withdrawn his retirement decision.
Yunus also mentioned that Tamim would take a six-week break to regain fitness. The cricketer has been under physical and mental pressure over the past six months, which has affected his performance on the field.
Tamim Iqbal’s Retirement Amid Criticism
Tamim’s retirement decision came after he faced scathing criticism from BCB president Nazmul Hassan, who questioned his professionalism for playing the match despite admitting that he was not fully fit.
The meeting between Tamim and the Prime Minister took place shortly after the selectors named wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das as the captain for the remaining matches against Afghanistan.
Liton Das expressed surprise at Tamim’s retirement decision, stating that none of the team members had anticipated such a move. He acknowledged Tamim’s significant contributions to the Bangladesh team over the years, emphasizing his invaluable service.
Tamim Iqbal is widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s most reliable players and holds the distinction of being the only Bangladeshi cricketer to score centuries in all three formats of the game.