Tamim Iqbal Draws the Curtain on a Remarkable International Career
If Bangladeshi cricket fans were hoping for one last flourish from Tamim Iqbal in the 2025 Champions Trophy, they can now lay those hopes to rest. The left-handed opener, who has long defined Bangladesh’s batting at the top, announced he’s finally shutting the door on international cricket. No comebacks, no encore—Tamim’s days in the national colors are officially done.
For years, Tamim has been the figure everyone looked to when Bangladesh needed stability or a spark. Since his debut back in 2007, he’s amassed over 15,000 runs—the most by any Bangladeshi player—and bagged 25 centuries across all three formats. His stats paint a picture of consistency: 70 Tests, 243 ODIs, and 78 T20Is, including centuries in each format. Simply put, he’s the gold standard for Bangladeshi batsmanship.
But the end of his international stint hasn’t come quietly. Tamim’s first attempt at retirement in July 2023 caught many off guard. Visibly emotional, he laid out his reasons and walked away, only to make a dramatic reversal less than a day later after Bangladesh’s prime minister Sheikh Hasina intervened. The cricket community buzzed with speculation: Was Tamim really done? Could he be coaxed back if the stakes were high enough?
Turns out, his mind is made up. While his international career has been on ice for months, selectors and team captain Najmul Hossain Shanto had one last try to convince him to rejoin the squad for the Champions Trophy, the biggest white-ball tournament left on Bangladesh’s calendar. But Tamim’s statement on Facebook was crystal clear: “My chapter in international cricket is over. I have been away from international cricket for a long time. That distance will remain.”
He’s careful to explain the ‘why’ behind his decision, too. Tamim doesn’t want his presence or absence to become a talking point that overshadows the team as they prepare for the Champions Trophy. It’s the kind of move that puts team before self, even if it closes the door on a swan song most legends crave.
Life After Internationals: Domestic Cricket and What Comes Next
Even though fans won’t see Tamim facing the new ball for Bangladesh anymore—especially in the highly anticipated clashes against India—he’s nowhere near hanging up his bat entirely. He’s active in the Bangladesh Premier League, showing no signs of letting up in the domestic arena. If anything, his shift to focus on local cricket could help develop the next generation of openers, giving younger players more chances in the spotlight now that his shadow no longer looms over the international setup.
Tamim’s departure leaves a giant gap—especially in the ODI and Test squads—but it also opens up space for emerging talents to step out of his sizable shadow. The selection committee, which has tried to bring him back for a final run, now faces the challenge of filling those shoes. The Champions Trophy squad will be assembled under a new reality, one where Bangladesh must learn to thrive without their most reliable opener.
His story serves as a reminder of how personal choices can ripple through a team. For years, Tamim embodied the fighting spirit of Bangladesh cricket. Now, as he steps away for good from the international stage, fans, teammates, and even his opponents are left reflecting on a career loaded with records, resilience, and moments that won’t fade quickly. His final good-bye? It’s on his own terms—no drama, just cricket.