Bangladesh legend announces retirement from international cricket for the second time inside two years

Ex-Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement for the second time in international cricket. With the Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, the left-handed batter has revealed that he doesn't want to be the focus of anyone's attention. He wishes for the team to concentrate on themselves.

One of the most prolific run-getters for Bangladesh in ODI cricket, the veteran last donned the national colours in September 2023 during the Asia Cup. Tamim had retired from national duty in July 2023 as well in an emotional press conference. However, he had reversed his decision only 24 hours later after an intervention from then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Writing on his Facebook page, Tamim declared that his career is over and he had been thinking about it for a long time.

"I have been away from international cricket for a long time," he wrote. "That distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over. 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 their focus. Of course, I did not want this to happen before, too."

The 35-year-old revealed that Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely wanted him to be part of the side, adding:

"Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return to the team. There were discussions with the selection committee too. I am grateful to them for still considering me in the team. However, I have listened to my own heart."

The southpaw continued to play domestic cricket, including winning the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) edition in 2024. He notably finished as the Player of the Tournament.

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Tamim Iqbal retires as Bangladesh's highest run-getter in ODIs

Tamim Iqbal. (Image Credits: Getty)

The 35-year-old has accumulated 8357 runs in 243 ODIs at 36.65 alongside 14 centuries, making him the highest run-getter for Bangladesh in the format.

He also has a promising record as an ODI captain, winning 21 matches out of 37 while enduring 14 losses after captaining from 2019 to 2023.