In a surprising turn of events, Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of a remarkable 16-year journey at the highest level. Tamim Iqbal participated in Bangladesh’s first ODI on Wednesday but after the conclusion of the fixture, he announced his retirement.
This unexpected retirement comes as a blow to the national team, especially with the ODI World Cup in India just three months away. The question of who will assume the captaincy in the 50-over format remains unanswered, with Litton Das, Tamim’s deputy in the one-off Test against Afghanistan, a potential candidate.
The 34-year-old left-handed batsman revealed during an emotional press conference that his retirement was not a spontaneous choice but rather the result of discussions with his family. He expressed gratitude for having had the opportunity to fulfill his father’s dreams through his cricketing journey. Despite any self-doubt, Tamim asserted that he had given his utmost effort and dedication to the game, always striving to perform at his best whenever he stepped onto the field.
A Glimpse of Tamim Iqbal’s Career Achievements
Tamim’s retirement marks the end of an era, with him leaving behind a legacy as one of Bangladesh’s greatest all-format batsmen. With 241 ODI appearances, he holds the record for the most runs scored by a Bangladeshi player in the format, amassing an impressive tally of 8,313 runs. Among active cricketers, only Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have surpassed his feat. In Test cricket, Tamim has contributed significantly with 70 matches and 5,134 runs, making him the second-highest run-scorer for Bangladesh. Furthermore, Tamim retired from T20Is in July 2022 after representing his nation in 87 matches.
Notably, Tamim is the only Bangladeshi player to score centuries in all three formats of the game. Throughout his career, he has displayed outstanding performances, starting with his ODI debut in 2007. His first ODI half-century came in the iconic 2007 World Cup match against India, where Bangladesh caused a major upset. Subsequently, Tamim recorded his first ODI century a year later, but his most memorable innings was a stunning 154 against Zimbabwe, leading Bangladesh to victory in a chase of 313 runs. He further showcased his batting prowess with a remarkable 158 against the same opponents in 2020.
In March 2020, Tamim took on the role of full-time ODI captain, succeeding Mashrafe Mortaza. Under his leadership, Bangladesh won 21 out of 37 matches in the format. Tamim’s impact extended to Test cricket as well, with his first Test century playing a vital role in Bangladesh’s first-ever overseas Test victory against the West Indies in 2009. Throughout his career, he achieved ten Test centuries, including a memorable 206 against Pakistan in Khulna in 2015.
As Tamim bids farewell to international cricket, his retirement leaves a void in the Bangladesh national team. Fans and cricket enthusiasts alike will forever cherish his contributions to the sport, celebrating his achievements as one of the country’s finest cricketers. The upcoming ODI World Cup will certainly miss his presence, but the legacy he leaves behind will inspire future generations of cricketers to strive for greatness.
We at CricketNewsIndia wish Tamim Iqbal the best of luck in his future endeavors
