Bangladesh Loses a Legend: Tamim Iqbal Steps Away — For Good
Bangladesh’s national cricket team has lost one of its pillars. Tamim Iqbal, the ever-reliable opener and former captain, has put his international career to bed—this time, with no chance of turning back. The 35-year-old ended months of whispers about another potential comeback by posting a simple but clear message: "My chapter in international cricket is over." This statement, shared on his Facebook page on January 10, 2025, signals an era’s end for Bangladesh cricket.
Tamim first shocked fans with his retirement in July 2023. It was a move that rattled not only supporters but the country’s top brass. Then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina personally stepped in, convincing Tamim to reconsider within 24 hours. But the back-and-forth left many wondering when—or if—he would really hang up his boots. Those doubts have now been put to rest.
From Run Machine to Reluctant Comeback: Why Tamim Said No
When talk of bringing Tamim Iqbal back for the upcoming Champions Trophy surfaced, it felt like déjà vu. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and selectors tried to tempt him for one more dance on the world stage, but Tamim kept his resolve. He insisted he didn’t want to create "unnecessary distractions" for the team, choosing stability over sentiment. For Tamim, the choice was about more than personal milestones; it was about putting the team's future first and letting new faces take center stage in Bangladesh cricket's evolution.
His numbers tell the story of a generational player. Tamim played 70 Test matches, smashing 5,134 runs—often anchoring the innings when Bangladesh needed it most. In One Day Internationals, he was even more prolific. Over 243 matches, he piled up 8,357 runs, making him Bangladesh’s top scorer in the format and a fixture at the top of the order for over a decade. While T20Is weren’t always his strongest suit, he still managed 1,758 runs in 78 matches. Totalling 15,192 runs across formats, only Mushfiqur Rahim has more to his name in Bangladesh cricket history.
Tamim was more than a stat sheet. He made his mark through gritty opening partnerships, memorable match-winning knocks, and by setting the standard for professionalism that younger players now try to emulate. Whenever Bangladesh chased daunting totals or fought for respect on the global stage, it was often Tamim setting the tone at the crease—whether in Dhaka, Chattogram, or abroad.
- 5,134 Test runs in 70 matches
- 8,357 ODI runs in 243 matches
- 1,758 T20I runs in 78 matches
- Bangladesh’s leading ODI run-scorer
- Second-highest total international runs for Bangladesh
His international career often mirrored the turbulent growth of Bangladesh cricket. There were highs, like the 2015 World Cup run and countless series upsets, and there were times when retirement rumors seemed to dominate headlines. But by finally calling time with clarity, Tamim allowed his legacy to stand on its own merit—full of records, resilience, and milestones that might take decades to match.
Bangladesh moves forward without a familiar anchor at the top of the order. For fans, the adjustment will be real—and for Tamim, a new chapter beyond international cricket begins.