Sports Desk:

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal confirmed his retirement, saying that his chapter in international cricket is over.

“I have been away from international cricket for a long time, and the gap will not close. My chapter in international cricket is over,” Tamim wrote in a Facebook post on Friday.

The national team selection panel recently met him to know his decision to play the Champions Trophy. Tamim sought time from them to discuss with his family, friends and well wishers.

“I have been thinking on this for some time, and with the Champions Trophy ahead, I don’t want discussions about me to disrupt the team’s focus. I stepped away from the national contract a long time ago for this reason, although the media sometimes suggested otherwise,” he said.

“For someone who hasn’t been in a BCB contract for a year, there’s no point in such discussions. Every cricketer has the right to decide their future, and I’ve taken my time to make this decision. Now, I feel the moment has arrived,” he added.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also requested Tamim to reconsider the issue as he has been in good form. Although Tamim was away from International cricket he played domestic cricket and was the man of the tournament in last BPL in which he also led Fortune Barishal clinch the title. He performed well in last NCL T20 and is in good form in the ongoing BPL too.

“Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely requested me to return, and I also spoke with the selection panel. I am grateful they believe I am still capable, but I followed my heart,” he said.

Tamim had earlier retired in 2023 but later changed his decision.

“It was shocking for me to step away before the 2023 World Cup, not for cricketing reasons. Still, wherever I went, fans expressed their wish to see me in the national team again. I deeply considered their love and support,” he said.

“My son didn’t tell me directly, but he told his mother that he wants to see me in the national jersey. I’m sorry to disappoint the fans and told my son, ‘When you grow older, you will understand your dad’s decision,” he concluded.