Tamim Announces: 'The Chapter of International Cricket is Over'

There was speculation that Tamim Iqbal might return to international cricket surrounding the Champions Trophy. However, dismissing all possibilities, Tamim Iqbal has retired from international cricket. On Friday, the batter announced his retirement in a Facebook post.

Here is the full translation of Tamim Iqbal's Facebook post:

"I have been away from international cricket for quite some time now. This distance will no longer be bridged. My chapter in international cricket is over. I have been contemplating this for a long time. Now that the Champions Trophy, a major tournament, is approaching, I don’t want any discussions surrounding me to distract the team’s focus. In fact, I never wanted that. That’s why I removed myself from BCB’s central contract long ago.

Although many have said, and it has often appeared in the media, that I kept the matter unresolved, the truth is, I stepped away from any BCB contract over a year ago. There’s no reason to include me in plans or have discussions about me. Yet, unnecessary discussions have persisted. Deciding to retire or continue playing is a right every cricketer or professional athlete holds. I have taken my time to reflect, and now I feel the time has come.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has sincerely urged me to return. I’ve also had discussions with the selection committee. I’m grateful to them for still considering me capable. However, I’ve listened to my heart. What happened before the 2023 World Cup was a major blow for me, as I wasn’t excluded due to cricketing reasons. Yet, wherever I went, cricket fans expressed their desire to see me back in the national team. I’ve thought about their love and support.

At home, I have a fan too—my son. He never directly said anything to me, but he repeatedly told his mother that he wants to see his father play for the country again. I’m sorry for disappointing the fans. To my son, I’ll say this: one day, when you grow up, you will understand your father’s decision."

This marks the end of a remarkable international career for Tamim Iqbal, one of Bangladesh's cricketing legends.