Twist in tale: Bangladesh captain withdraws retirement within a day
Tamim Iqbal announced his shock retirement from international cricket amid the ongoing home ODI series against Afghanistan and months out from the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.
However, he reversed his decision after an intervention from Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina.
Big news coming in from the Bangladesh camp just months out from the @cricketworldcup ⬇️https://t.co/kbAf9MHCcL
— ICC (@ICC) July 6, 2023
"The honourable Prime Minister invited me to her residence this afternoon,” Tamim said. “We had a long discussion after which she instructed me to return to cricket. I am withdrawing my retirement.
“I can say no to anyone but it is impossible to say no to the most important person in the country.
“Mashrafe (Mortaza) called me while the BCB President was here. They were big factors (in making me reverse my decision). The Prime Minister has also given me a break of a month and half. I will complete my treatment and return to playing cricket.”
Tamim has so far represented Bangladesh in 70 Tests, 241 ODIs and 78 T20Is, having scored over 15,000 international runs, with 25 centuries and 94 half-centuries.
He had held an emotional press conference on Thursday, saying, "This is the end for me. I have given my best. I have tried my best. I am retiring from international cricket from this moment.
"I want to thank all my teammates, coaches, BCB officials, my family members, and those who have been with me through my long journey. They kept faith in me.
"I also want to thank the fans. Your love and faith in me inspired me to give my very best for Bangladesh. I want to ask for your prayers for the next chapter of my life. Please keep me in your prayers."
Litton Das was appointed Bangladesh's interim ODI captain following Tamim's sudden retirement for the remainder of the Afghanistan ODIs.