‘Bhai World Cup tak to ruk jata’ – Fans stunned as Tamim Iqbal announces retirement from international cricket

Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement from international cricket in a shocking development in the cricket world. He took this decision after Bangladesh suffered an unexpected loss to Afghanistan in a rain-affected encounter in Chittagong on Wednesday. His decision came as a shock for the fans as it came just three months ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Iqbal got emotional while announcing his retirement at the press conference. He also announced his retirement from T20I at the same time last year.

As Bangladesh are looking forward to taking part in the upcoming Marquee event in India, they would have to look for a new ODI captain. However, Bangladesh Cricket Board hasn’t made any announcement on Iqbal’s replacement yet, but it is likely that one of Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das gets the job. Shakib is already the skipper of the T20I team, while Litton is taking charge of the Test side.

‘I played cricket to fulfil my father’s dream’ – Tamim Iqbal

“This is the end for me. I have given my best. I have tried my best. I am retiring from international cricket at this moment. Yesterday against Afghanistan was my last international game. It was not a sudden decision. I was thinking about the different reasons. I don’t want to mention here. I have spoken to my family members about it. I thought this is the right time for me to retire from international cricket,” Tamim said at the Press Conference as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

“I need to thank a few people, which they deserve. (Pauses, and takes a deep breath). I have always said that I played cricket (long pause, deep breath) to fulfil my father’s dream. So I am not sure how much I have made him proud throughout these 16 years of my international career,” he further added.

Tamim Iqbal was just a teenager when he made his ODI debut for Bangladesh in February 2007. In his debut match, Iqbal was a part of Bangladesh’s memorable victory against India in the 2007 ODI World Cup. He also contributed with the bat by scoring a half-century. The 34-year-old has appeared in 70 Tests, 241 ODIs and 78 T20Is for Bangladesh amassing 15,205 across all formats.

Here’s how Twitter reacted: 

What’s wrong with this guy? He takes decision just before the ICC Event.

— CHARLIE (@CharlieGulshan) July 6, 2023

Still remember him smashing Zaheer khan in 2007 World Cup
One of the finest knock#CWC23 #CricketTwitter #TamimIqbal

— Kaushik Pabbu Ramesh (@kaushikpr94) July 6, 2023

More than 15000 international runs and 25 centuries.
For sure all time great batter for BAN and one of top of his era in world cricket.

2007 WC game vs IND, very crucial knock made group exit for us.

— Anoop Singh (@anoopshaashtra) July 6, 2023

Shikhar Dhawan & Tamim Iqbal Always played for their country in ICC events

— P A R T H (@parth_jani7) July 6, 2023

Then there is shameless Harbhajan singh… pic.twitter.com/S68LF3KrOv

— Aryan 45 🇮🇳 (@Iconic_Rohit) July 6, 2023

Pkka bcb se kuch panga hua h… captaincy le rhe hoge iski last match Afghanistan se haarne ki vjh se

— Rishabh (@goelrishabh53) July 6, 2023

What?? Why?? 😳
He just captained in an ODI yesterday! Just 3 months away from World Cup in subcontinent! Would be a huge loss to Bangladesh!! 🤯

— NK (@nirmal_indian) July 6, 2023

Tamim loves and respects kohli more than anyone else ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Happy retirement Tamim bhai

— Sumanta Mandal (@hello_twittterr) July 6, 2023

Outside factor more than just batting form, that too at an immediate affect, I’m sure something happen to him.

— コン・ドゥ・グエン (@CongDuNguyen1) July 6, 2023

Saw it coming. He didn't look the same post 2019 wc like he had no desire to play the game anymore. Big miss but good thing moving forward.

— Keshav sharma (@Keshavs111) July 6, 2023

Just before the WC, not surprised

— Jaddu (@nithishjaddu) July 6, 2023