Bangladesh Cricket Loses a Stalwart: Tamim Iqbal Calls Time
If you’ve followed Bangladesh cricket over the last decade, Tamim Iqbal’s name barely needs an introduction. He’s been the face at the top of the order for years. But now, not even the biggest voices—including that of the national selectors or Prime Minister—could convince him otherwise. On January 10, 2025, with a blunt Facebook post, Tamim put a full stop to all speculation: international cricket is behind him. This was the second time he’s made this choice, but it sounds permanent now.
The story goes back to a dramatic July 2023, when Tamim first announced he was quitting international matches. The news landed like a bombshell. But within 24 hours, after a personal meeting with Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he reversed his decision and was back in the team’s plans—or so it seemed. The tide changed quickly; he was left out of the squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup. That snub got fans and cricket pundits riled up, with debate swirling on whether Bangladesh mishandled one of its most influential players.
This time, requests came not just from the Bangladesh selectors but also from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. The carrot? The big stage of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Tamim listened, held meetings, and weighed the decision. But his answer stayed the same: no comeback. In his words, a return at this point would be a distraction. Bangladesh is molding a new team identity, and Tamim doesn’t want to pull focus from that process.
Tamim’s Record: Numbers that Speak for Themselves
Let’s get specific—Tamim leaves behind a chunky stack of records. He racked up 15,192 runs in the green and red, behind only Mushfiqur Rahim. His Test record? 70 matches and countless opening stands that set a rhythm for Bangladesh. In 243 ODIs, he often looked as comfortable facing a swinging new ball as he did slogging spinners late in an innings. T20Is weren’t his playground as much, but he still played 78 of them, scoring with intent. He notched up 25 international centuries, plenty against top teams—and those innings often carried Bangladesh through tense chases or set mighty totals.
But stats only tell half the tale. Bangladesh’s fans grew up watching Tamim turn up in tight games, refusing to back down from some of the world’s fastest bowlers. He might not have always been the flashiest, but he made batting at the top look simple when everyone else was struggling. And let’s not forget, he had to carry the captain’s armband too, leading the side during some rough patches and historic highs.
- Second-highest run-scorer for Bangladesh in all formats
- One of only two Bangladeshis to score over 15,000 runs internationally
- Maintained a 16-year career at the top level, debuting as a teenager
The void he leaves behind is towering. Bangladesh cricket must fill not just a batting slot but also years of experience and grit. Youngsters coming through—like opener Tanzid Hasan—now face the challenge of stepping into big shoes, especially with the high-pressure environment of global tournaments looming.
The drama around Tamim’s retirement reflects just how much sway a player can hold in South Asian cricket culture. It’s rare to see a Prime Minister influencing sports decisions so directly. Yet, even with fan emotion and leadership pressure at an all-time high, Tamim’s decision looks set in stone. His story may cause heated debate for years, but for now, Bangladesh cricket must move forward without one of its most familiar faces.