Tamim Iqbal Steps Away from International Cricket, Prioritizing Team over Self
Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh's cricket sensation, surprised fans and colleagues alike by opting to retire from international cricket yet again, putting the team's interests over his own. His announcement came on January 10, 2025, through a heartfelt post on Facebook. This decision marks the second time in less than two years that the seasoned cricketer has turned his back on international matches, notably after being approached to reconsider for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The 36-year-old batting maestro chose to stand by his commitment not to distract from the squad's preparations. This move was especially significant following his earlier abrupt retirement in July 2023, which he reversed within mere hours due to the earnest intervention of Sheikh Hasina, then the Prime Minister. While his comeback was celebrated, his exclusion from the 2023 ODI World Cup later left him unsettled and impacted his decision to retire permanently.
Tamim Iqbal's Record-Breaking Voyage and Domestic Resilience
Tamim's illustrious career is decorated with 15,192 runs across 387 international matches, etched in history by his 25 spectacular centuries. His accomplishment of scoring centuries in Test, ODI, and T20 formats remains unmatched by any Bangladesh player, a testament to his versatile prowess on the field. His final curtain call on the international stage was in a September 2023 encounter against New Zealand.
Despite stepping away from international limelight, Tamim continued to wield his bat in domestic cricket. However, not without personal trials—during a Dhaka Premier Division match on March 25, 2025, Tamim was struck by a heart attack, an incident that could have turned fatal. Thanks to the swift actions and CPR administered by his trainer, Yakub Chowdhury Dalim, he was stabilized before undergoing angioplasty.
It's clear that while Tamim may have bid farewell to the international scene, his influence and legacy within Bangladesh cricket remain indelible. His story underlines a relentless passion for the game, intertwined with reality checks and personal victories that have shaped a career worthy of admiration.
