Veteran Tamim Iqbal has decided to hang up his boots from International cricket, calling an end to his glittering 16 years of career with an immediate effect.
In a shocking development, Tamim announced his retirement amid the Afghanistan series and ahead of the World Cup 2023 which is three months away.
Tamim was suffering with his fitness and was doubtful for the first ODI against Afghanistan owing to a back injury that also kept him out of the solitary Test against the same team last month. But the ‘not 100% fit’ captain showed up for the match which turned out to be his last international match.
Bangladesh will now have to look for a new leader three months ahead of the World Cup. It was taken aback by the cricket fraternity and supporters as they stormed social media to show gratitude for their favorite captain Tamim Iqbal.
Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed posted on his social media, “It’s been a long journey with YOU in and off the field with lots of moments & memories together. I'm grateful to YOU because of all the support You gave us as a Brother and Captain. We will miss you Tamim Bhai,”
Opener Soumya Sarkar who partnered with Tamim in the 2019 World Cup, also posted a heartfelt note on Facebook about him.
“Saying goodbye is a part of our life and let’s not be sad about this. Rather let’s treasure all the good memories and look forward to the beautiful future. You are leaving a ton of memories with us. You’ll be missed by each and every one of us. Have a great journey to your newest destination. Thank you for everything Bhai,”
Young cricketer Mahmudul Hasan Joy wished Tamim, “Happy Retirement Tamim Iqbal bhai. It has been a pleasure sharing the dressing room with you, you will be missed bhai!
“We batted together, shared dressing room. Had a lot of memory together. Can't believe you will not play for anymore. Will miss you badly vai. All the best for your future life,” wrote Litton Das.
Former Test captain Mominul Haque stated,“Dear Tamim bhai, you have always been a vital part of the Bangladesh cricket team. All your amazing contributions will be cherished forever. Apart from being a teammate you have always been there for me as a big brother. I will always look up to you. All the fun moments we had together your absence will be felt greatly. May you keep shining. I wish you all the best my brother. You will be missed! Love you forever,”
Mustafiz was stunned by Tamim's decision, "Shocking to hear the news. I can't believe my ears! I will always miss your guidance and your supportive hand on my shoulder Tamim Iqbal bhai,"
Bangladesh football captain Jamal Bhuyan also expressed his appreciation towards Tamim. “Happy retirement Tamim Bhai. Thank you for all your contributions towards Bangladesh,” he wrote.
“One of the Bangladesh greats. You should be incredibly proud of what you've achieved @TamimOfficial28, wish you all the best for your second innings,” tweeted by Wasim Jaffer.
The 34-year-old has represented Bangladesh in 241 ODIs and scored 8,313 runs at an average of 36.62 with 56 fifties next to 14 centuries. With 1758 runs in 78 matches, he said goodbye to the international T20 last July. He is the only centurion of the country in this edition.
He is the only batter in the country to score 15 thousand runs in three editions. His century in international cricket is 25. No one else has scored 20 centuries for Bangladesh.
