Tamim Iqbal reverses International Retirement after Bangladesh PM’s intervention

After Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s honorable Prime Minister’s intervened, Tamim Iqbal reportedly decided to reverse his retirement from international cricket. After losing to Afghanistan in the opening ODI of the three-match series, the veteran left-hander shocked many cricket fans by announcing his retirement on Thursday. Nevertheless, ESPNCricinfo reported on Friday that he spoke with Sheikh Hasina about the issue and has since changed his mind about quitting cricket.

Tamim made the announcement during a press conference on Thursday.

“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. Yesterday against Afghanistan was my last international game. I am retiring from international cricket effective right now. It was not a sudden decision. I was thinking about the different reasons. I don’t want to mention here. I have spoken to my family members about it. I thought this is the right time for me to retire from international cricket.”

Tamim held a tearful press conference in Chittagong after receiving harsh criticism from Bangladesh Cricket Board President Nazmul Hassan for playing the match despite acknowledging he wasn’t fully fit. Hassan questioned Tamim’s professionalism for doing so.

Litton Das was selected Bangladesh’s captain for the remaining ODI matches on Friday. As they attempt to tie the series on Saturday, Litton stated that the team was concentrating on the future.

“It is difficult to say whether we will miss him. If I am injured today, the team will not miss me. Going forward, newcomers will keep coming. Some day we will also go. Since he is not there, we should not talk much about that topic,” he said.

Tamim Iqbal reverses International Retirement after Bangladesh PM’s intervention

Tamim spoke to the media on Friday evening outside the Prime Minister’s residence. He revealed that he had been given a break of six weeks to recuperate from his injuries.

“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 bhai called me while Papon bhai [Hassan] was here. They were big factors [in the reversal]. The Prime Minister has also given me a break of a month and a half. I will complete my treatment and return to playing cricket.”

Also read: Tamim Iqbal draws curtains on a 16-year-long career 3 months prior to ODI World Cup 

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