The announcement of Tamim Iqbal’s retirement from international cricket has been made. He announced this in a Facebook post on Friday, January 10.
In his post, he wrote, “I have been away from international cricket for quite some time now, and that distance will not be bridged. My chapter in international cricket is over. I have been thinking about this for a long time. Now, with a major tournament like the Champions Trophy ahead, I do not want any discussions surrounding me to disrupt the team’s focus. I never wanted that, which is why I withdrew myself from the BCB’s central contract long ago.”
“Although many have said, and it has been reported in the media, that I kept the matter lingering, the fact is that I stepped away from any BCB contract more than a year ago. There’s nothing to plan or discuss about someone who is not part of any plans. Yet unnecessary discussions took place. Deciding to retire or continue playing is the right of a cricketer or any professional athlete. I took my time and now feel the time has come.”
He further wrote, “Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return. I also had discussions with the selection committee. I am grateful to them for still considering me capable. However, I have listened to my heart. What happened before the 2023 World Cup was a significant blow for me, especially since I was not left out for cricketing reasons. Still, wherever I went, cricket fans told me they wanted to see me back in the national team. I thought about their love.”
Addressing his family, he wrote, “Even at home, there is a fan of mine. My son has never directly told me, but he has repeatedly told his mother that he wants to see his father play in the national jersey again. I am sorry for disappointing the fans. To my son, I say, when you grow up, you will understand your father.”
It’s important to remember that in July 2023, Tamim declared his retirement from international cricket. But at the behest of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he changed his mind a day later. He never participated in another international game in spite of this.
Source: Jamuna Television
