The cricketing world was taken by surprise when veteran Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal announced his retirement from international cricket after the team’s loss to Afghanistan in the first One-Day International (ODI).
However, the unexpected retirement turned out to be short-lived as Tamim reversed his decision following an intervention from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former captain Mashrafe Mortaza.
Reports revealed that Tamim, accompanied by his family and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan, visited the prime minister’s residence where discussions took place.
It was during this meeting that Tamim had a change of heart and decided to withdraw his retirement.
This news came as a relief for fans, as Tamim is not only an experienced player but also the current ODI captain, and his absence would have been a significant blow for the team.
In a press conference where Tamim explained the reasons behind his abrupt retirement, emotions ran high and tears were shed.
The BCB president, acknowledging the suddenness of Tamim’s decision, expressed hope that he would reconsider his thoughts driven by emotions.
Fans immediately took to social media platforms to express their reactions to this topsy-turvy turn of events.
Many drew comparisons to former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who had a history of multiple retirements during his career.
The parallels were evident in the sense of uncertainty and the subsequent reversals, creating a sense of déjà vu for cricket enthusiasts.
The BCB had to make quick decisions to fill the void left by Tamim’s retirement
@TamimOfficial28 retire from International cricket,THE END!💔#tamimiqbal #bangladesh #Cricket pic.twitter.com/ZAXraG5X22
— kazi Shuvo Ahmed (@imSavageShuvo) July 6, 2023
Was about to Wish Tamim Iqbal Happy Retirement but just find out that Tamim Iqbal has withdrawn his decision to retire from international cricket
So Then I’ll say Welcome Back 🤝#Tamimiqbal #Cricket #Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/xF63F7mrAY— King Babar Azam Army (@kingbabararmy) July 7, 2023
Lala and his influence 🔥
Tamim following the foot steps of his idol #TamimIqbal pic.twitter.com/2oV9whaXet
— Karthik Rao (@Cric_Karthikk) July 7, 2023
@TamimOfficial28 Retired From All Forms Of International Cricket .
Congratulation You For Excellent Show Up Cricket All Over Your Career .#TamimIqbal pic.twitter.com/5Qpw172PTf— Rajesh kumar Sahoo (@Rajeshkumar490) July 6, 2023
The pictures raise questions about Tamim's retirement, whether it was a fair decision or whether he was forced to retire ? #TamimIqbal pic.twitter.com/JAndamQeE2
— Vipin Tiwari (@vipintiwari952) July 6, 2023
Tamim Iqbal took back his retirement after the meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.#TamimIqbal #PrimeMinister #SheikhHasina pic.twitter.com/2tpqthmH1Z
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) July 7, 2023
Happy Retirement @TamimOfficial28 🇧🇩
Most ODI tons for each nation by a current batter #TamimIqbal | #CricLovers🏏 pic.twitter.com/hUs8eD9CXI
— CricLovers🏏 (@CricLovers5) July 6, 2023
Tamim Iqbal – The leading run-scorer for Bangladesh across all formats.#Cricket #TamimIqbal #CricTracker pic.twitter.com/965VVOjn3b
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) July 6, 2023
Tamim Iqbal Angry on Quinton de Kock 🤬 #Tamimiqbal #Ashes pic.twitter.com/J5dy4ZInRO
— MK Kashif (@MUHAMMA18128412) July 6, 2023
Litton Das was appointed as the interim captain for the remaining two ODIs. This move aimed to maintain stability within the team during this transitional period.
Tamim Iqbal later shared details of his meeting with the prime minister, stating: “Today afternoon, the Prime Minister invited me to her house.”
“She admonished me and asked me to play again, so I have decided to come out of retirement at this moment. It was difficult to say no to her.”
This personal intervention from the prime minister showcases the significance of Tamim’s contributions to Bangladesh cricket and highlights the desire to retain his experience and skills in the national team.
As the dust settles, fans eagerly await Tamim’s return to the field, with major tournaments like the Asia Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup on the horizon.
His decision to reverse his retirement offers a ray of hope for the team and adds excitement to future cricketing endeavors.
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