“My Chapter in International Cricket is Over,” Says Iqbal, Who Holds the Record for Most Centuries by Any Bangladesh Batter
Former Bangladesh one-day captain Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement from international cricket, stating that he does not wish to become a distraction for the team ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Tamim made his international debut in a 2007 One-Day International against Zimbabwe in Harare. He played 243 ODIs, 70 Tests, and 78 T20 internationals.
Tamim had previously retired from international cricket a few months before the 2023 50-over World Cup in India but reversed that decision in a day. However, he missed out on the World Cup due to a back injury.
The 35-year-old scored over 15,000 runs across all formats and hit 25 centuries, the most by any Bangladesh batter. He last played for Bangladesh in their 2-0 ODI series loss to New Zealand in September 2023.
“I have been away from international cricket for a long time. That distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over,” he wrote in a social media post.
“I have been thinking about this for a long time. Now that a big event like the Champions Trophy is coming up, I do not want to be the focus of anyone’s attention, which could lead to the team losing focus.”
The Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. Bangladesh is in Group A alongside hosts and defending champions Pakistan, New Zealand, and India.
“Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return to the team (for the Champions Trophy),” Tamim added.
“There were discussions with the selection committee too. I am grateful to them for considering me for the team. However, I have listened to my own heart.”
