Tamim Iqbal Withdraws Retirement From International Cricket – Reports

Sanika Sawant

1 year ago

Veteran Bangladesh batter Tamim Iqbal has reversed his decision to retire from International cricket. On Thursday, July 6, he addressed the media in a press conference and announced his retirement from international cricket. However, the left-handed batter has withdrawn his retirement.

Tamim Iqbal’s retirement announcement came in the middle of an ODI series against Afghanistan. The news surprised many, with the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 just three months away. The Espncricinfo reported that following intervention from Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Tamim Iqbal has changed his retirement decision. A meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s residence in Dhaka.

The meeting was attended by Tamim and his wife, alongside former captain Mashrafe Mortaza and Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan. Mashrafe Mortaza, who is a member of the parliament, started the process. He spoke to the Bangladesh Prime Minister to possibly intervene and ask Tamim to withdraw his decision. Until then, the veteran batter refused to discuss his retirement with Nazmul Hassan.

🚨 Just in: After an intervention from Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Tamim Iqbal has withdrawn his decision to retire from international cricket#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/NRMtyxUEcc

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 7, 2023

It is impossible to say no to the most important person: Tamim Iqbal

Tamim Iqbal addressed the media on Friday, July 7 evening outside the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s residence. He revealed that the Prime Minister asked him to withdraw his decision to retire. He also added that he will take a six-week break before returning to the game. Tamim Iqbal said as quoted by Espncricinfo,

“The honourable Prime Minister invited me to her residence this afternoon. We had a long discussion after which she instructed me to return to cricket. I am withdrawing my retirement.”

“I can say no to anyone but it is impossible to say no to the most important person in the country. Mashrafe bhai called me while Papon bhai [Hassan] was here. They were big factors [in the reversal]. The Prime Minister has also given me a break of a month and a half. I will complete my treatment and return to playing cricket,” he added.

Tamim Iqbal has represented Bangladesh in 70 Tests, 241 ODIs and 78 T20I matches. He has scored 15205 International runs, at an average of 35.19, with 25 centuries and 94 fifties.

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