Tamim's Door to Return Remains Open, But...

Tamim Iqbal last represented Bangladesh in international cricket in September 2023. The star opener was not part of the squad for the 2023 World Cup, yet he remained at the center of discussions despite being off the field.

Tamim has come to India as a commentator for the Bangladesh-India series. The prolific batter, who has amassed over 15,000 international runs, told the Indian media outlet Sportstar that he will play in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to international cricket if approached properly.

“The way I finished wasn’t pleasant. So, for me to come back and play, I need to have a purpose,” Tamim told Sportstar.

“I am not someone who would return just to play four or five matches. What’s the point? Everyone says, ‘Come back, we want you,’ but if I return for five matches, will that benefit Bangladesh cricket? If there is a clear plan regarding what they want to achieve, then I can think about it, and we can discuss accordingly,” he said.

“You are now talking about the Champions Trophy, where there are four to five ODIs and three matches in the West Indies. So, essentially, you are talking about six to seven matches. When I’ve stepped aside and someone else has taken my role, I don’t think it makes sense to return for just these few matches.”

“But then, it’s different if the BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) tells me they want to win the Champions Trophy, or at least aim for the semifinals, and this will likely be the last tournament for three or four senior players, regardless of any differences among them, and the BCB will fix that. This is how you approach people,” Tamim said.

But if requested, would he consider representing Bangladesh again?

“Yes, of course. But the question is – do I play for the cricket board, or do I play for the team? Where should this request come from? The cricket board looks after me, but the players also need to welcome me.”

“Look, I have good relationships with everyone, and I know it won’t be an issue. But let’s say if I were the captain and I wanted to achieve something, I would talk to you, share my vision and plan, and convince you to join me on the journey, and if necessary, I would assure you that everything would be taken care of. Me returning to the team and you wanting me in the team are two different things. If a situation arises where both the team and I feel I’m needed, then I will think about it.”