Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal has left the cricketing fraternity in shock after announcing his retirement. Iqbal, one of the leading run getters for Bangladesh in international cricket, called time on his career in a teary-eyed press conference on Thursday. The announcement comes three months before the World Cup 2023 in India.
“This is the end for me. I have given my best. I have tried my best. I am retiring from international cricket from this moment,” he said addressing the media.
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Tamim Iqbal made his international debut in 2007 and has represented Bangladesh in 70 Tests, 241 ODIs and 78 T20Is. The prolific left-handed opener has over 15,000 runs in international cricket, with 25 centuries and 94 half-centuries. Iqbal had already retired from T20I cricket last year and played his final Test against Ireland in April.
The retirement comes as a shock with the 50-over World Cup just 3 months away. Bangladesh are currently playing Afghanistan in a three-match series. The announcement comes after the Tamim-led side lost the 1st ODI by 17 runs (DLS method). Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are yet to name a successor for Tamim in the 50-over format.
Thanking the teammates and the coaching staff, Iqbal added, “I want to thank all my teammates, coaches, BCB officials, my family members, and those who have been with me through my long journey. They kept faith in me.”
He also thanked the fans, saying, “I also want to thank the fans. Your love and faith in me inspired me to give my very best for Bangladesh. I want to ask for your prayers for the next chapter of my life. Please keep me in your prayers.”
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