Reason Behind Tamim’s Unexpected Retirement

Bangladesh national cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal announced farewell to international cricket. With this, the pole-star opener of Tigers has ended a long career of 16 years. But why did the country’s best opener suddenly make such a decision?

Tamim announced his retirement by calling a press conference at a hotel in Chattogram at 1:30 pm on Thursday (July 6). Cricket lovers were surprised by Tamim’s decision in the middle of the ongoing series against Afghanistan on the banks of Sagorika.

Tamim has been suffering from a back injury since last month. He missed the only Test against Afghanistan due to that injury. After that, he practiced in the net with the coaching staff. However, this batter was not fully fit.

“I am definitely available for tomorrow’s match. Condition is better than before. But I wouldn’t say that 100%. After the game tomorrow, I will understand better what the situation is. But the decision so far, I am playing tomorrow, InShaAllah,” Tamim Iqbal said in the pre-match press conference on Tuesday (July 4).

Then on Wednesday (July 5), Tamim came to Chattogram to toss with the Afghan captain. Bangladesh Cricket Board president Papon and Tiger coach Chandika Hathurusinghe did not take the decision easily.

In an interview given to the media on this day, Papon said, “This is no longer a neighborhood-alley match. This is an international match. On the eve of such a series, the captain says that he is not fit. But he will play, he will try to understand his fitness by playing. It can’t be professional behavior!”

Tamim played ODI against Afghanistan despite not being 100% fit. BCB president Papon and coach Hathurusinghe were angry about that. Tamim’s retirement is believed to be an immediate response. 

However, Tamim, who led the ODI team, said that he did not make the decision suddenly. He has been thinking about it for some time. He was also talking about this with his family. 

“I think it is the right time to retire. My career deserves a lot of thanks. I have to thank many people,” he said.

“I always say, I play cricket to fulfill my father’s dream. I don’t know how much I was able to fulfill his dream. However, I tried my best to be honest and give 100%. There are other reasons for retirement. I don’t think they need to be said here,” Tamim said.

Regarding Tamim’s retirement, BCB’s cricket management department chairman Jalal Yunus told the media, “We heard Tamim’s decision live. His decision to retire from international cricket is unexpected to us. Shocking news and a very premature decision. He could have played for two more years. Official response will be given from the board.”

Noted that Tamim Iqbal has played 70 Tests for the Bangladesh national team. He scored 5134 runs with 10 centuries and 31 fifties. The left-handed opener has played 241 ODIs in his 16-year international career with 14 centuries and 56 fifties, the highest 8313 runs for the country came from his bat. Besides, he has played 78 matches in the T20 format.