Tamim Iqbal Retires from International Cricket Again, Turns Down Champions Trophy Recall

Tamim Iqbal Steps Away from International Cricket For Good

Just when fans started speculating about a dramatic comeback, Tamim Iqbal has made it clear: he’s done with international cricket. For the second time in a year, the Bangladesh opening legend announced his retirement, and this time, it’s final. The call comes after intense efforts by Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and selectors, who wanted Tamim’s experience for the looming ICC Champions Trophy. Facing mounting pressure, Tamim spoke up on Facebook, shutting the door on a possible return and stressing he doesn’t want to pull attention away from the squad’s build-up for the tournament.

Anyone following Bangladesh cricket will remember the chaos last July, when Tamim retired only to reverse his decision within 24 hours. That episode kept everyone guessing, but this time, he insists it’s well thought out. 'I have carefully considered this for a long time,' Tamim shared, highlighting the need to let the next generation steer the team forward. He took pains to thank both the selectors and the skipper for their faith, but underlined that team unity takes priority: 'I feel if I return, the attention diverts from the collective goal.'

With this decision, Tamim draws the curtain on a storied 14-year journey—a period that made him a household name not just in Bangladesh, but across the cricketing world.

Milestones and Legacy: A True Bangladesh Great

Tamim’s numbers tell a story of consistency and impact. Over 387 appearances, he put up a staggering 15,192 runs, making him Bangladesh’s second-highest run-getter of all time. That’s no small feat in a team that’s moved from cricket’s fringes to earning respect on the international stage. He wasn’t just piling on runs, though. Back in 2016, Tamim smashed an unbeaten 103 against Oman, becoming the first Bangladeshi to score a century in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. That innings remains a highlight reel moment for fans.

As Bangladesh ODI captain from 2020 to 2023, Tamim steadied the ship after the golden generation. He led from the front, organizing the batting lineup and nurturing younger players coming through the ranks. Teammates often talk about his mentorship off the field, as much as his stroke-play on it.

Tamim wore many hats, being one of the few Bangladeshis to play in both the Indian Premier League—representing Pune Warriors India—and the Pakistan Super League with Lahore Qalandars. While he went unsold at the 2011 IPL auction after his stint with Pune, his presence in foreign leagues set a template for others to follow. The fact that he was still central to Bangladesh’s batting plans right till his retirement shows the trust coaches had in him.

His batting style was a mix of aggression and classical technique. He’d dance down the track, smash pace bowlers over extra cover, then settle in for the grind. Fans admired his on-field energy, but behind the scenes, Tamim also fought tough battles with injuries and, at times, criticism about his consistency.

His final innings came in September 2023 with an ODI against New Zealand, closing the chapter on a career packed with milestones. Tamim featured in his last Test earlier that year in Mirpur. Each time he donned Bangladesh colors, there was that sense something special might unfold.

This fresh retirement draws a line under all the drama, giving clarity to both the player and the team going into future tournaments. Bangladesh now turns to younger stars to take up the torch, all while knowing they’re following the footsteps of a true Tamim Iqbal.