Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement from international cricket for the second time. Earlier, he retired during an emotional press conference in July 2023. Tamim made his debut for Bangladesh in 2007 and played 70 Tests, 243 ODIs and 78 T20 Internationals. Tamim reversed his retirement decision within 24 hours in 2023 after the intervention of then Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Tamim told the decision to the selectors
The former Bangladesh captain informed the Bangladesh selectors of his decision in Sylhet on Wednesday. The panel led by Gazi Ashraf Hussain had urged him to rejoin the national team for the upcoming Champions Trophy, but Tamim remained firm on retiring. Some players, including Bangladesh captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto, had requested him to reconsider, but he took one more day before confirming his retirement and then announced his decision.

Tamim also posted on Facebook

Tamim wrote on Facebook, 'I have been away from international cricket for a long time. This distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over. I was thinking about this for a long time. Now that a big competition like the Champions Trophy is coming, I do not want to come in anyone's attention, due to which the team may lose its focus. Of course, I did not want this to happen.' He said, 'Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return to the team. There was also a discussion with the selection committee. I am thankful to them that they have expressed their desire to still include me in the team. However, I have listened to my heart.'

'BCB should not have waited'

Tamim said that it was unnecessary for the BCB to wait for his answer as he had removed himself from the central contract a long time ago. Tamim said, 'I had removed myself from the BCB's central contract a long time ago because I did not want to return to international cricket. Many people have said that I have put the matter on hold. Why would anyone discuss about a cricketer who is no longer in the BCB's contracted list? I voluntarily gave up my place more than a year ago.' He said, 'Even after this, unnecessary discussions are taking place. The decision to retire or continue playing is the right of a cricketer or any professional player. I have given myself time. Now I think the time has come.' The deadline for announcing the teams for the Champions Trophy is January 12.