Tamim Iqbal, one of the best batters Bangladesh produced, has called it quits from international cricket just three months before the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, in a press conference on July 6, 2023.
Iqbal had played in the first ODI against Afghanistan but decided to retire from international cricket ahead of the second ODI. The senior batter skipped the one-off Test against Afghanistan last month with a stiff back.
He had a press conference in Chattogram on Thursday, where he declared his choice with tears in his eyes in front of reporters. Although Litton Das leads the team in Tests and Shakib Al Hasan leads the team in T20Is, Bangladesh will now need to appoint a new captain for the ODI format.
“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 team-mates, 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,” Tamim was quoted by Indian Express.
Around the same time last year, Tamim, 34, announced his retirement from T20Is. And in April, he played against Ireland in his final Test.
Tamim Iqbal Retires As Highest Run-Getter And With Most Centuries In Odis For Bangladesh
The 34-year-old batter ends his career as the leading run-getter for Bangladesh in the 50-over format after making his debut in 2007. He made 8313 runs in 241 ODIs with 14 centuries and 56 fifties at an average of 36.62 and a best score of 158.
In Tests, Tamim made 5134 runs in 70 Tests with 10 centuries and 31 fifties with a best score of 206 and an average of 38.89. In 78 T20Is, he has 1758 runs with one century and 7 fifties with the best score of 103*.
He was the first Bangladeshi batter to hit centuries in all three international formats of cricket.