'My Chapter in International Cricket is Over' - Tamim Iqbal Announces Retirement Before Champions Trophy 2025

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Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement from international cricket again, saying he doesn't want discussions about him to disrupt team's focus ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

This marks the second time the Bangladesh stalwart has stepped away from the game with his first retirement announcement coming in July 2023 during an emotional press conference. But that decision was reversed within 24 hours after an intervention by Bangladesh's then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Tamim made his latest decision known to the Bangladesh selectors in Sylhet on Wednesday (January 8). Despite the Gazi Ashraf Hossain-led selection panel urging him to return for the upcoming Champions Trophy, Tamim reiterated his intent to retire.

Though some of his teammates, including captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, requested him to reconsider, Tamim took an additional day to reflect but ultimately stood firm on his choice and took to social media to post that his chapter in international cricket is over.

"I have been away from international cricket for quite some time, and the gap will not close. My chapter in international cricket is over. I have been reflecting on this for some time, and with the Champions Trophy ahead, I don't want discussions about me to disrupt the team's focus." Tamim wrote in a Facebook post as quoted by CricBuzz.

With the deadline for Champions Trophy squad announcements set for January 12, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was prepared to wait until the last moment for Tamim's decision.

His impressive domestic form had kept him in contention. He has been active in domestic cricket since stepping away from the international stage, leading Barishal to victory in the 2024 BPL and earning the 'Player of the Tournament' award.

He also performed admirably in the Dhaka Premier League, followed by consistent runs in the NCL T20s and the ongoing BPL season. Tamim, however, dismissed the BCB's prolonged anticipation for his response, calling it "unnecessary" as he had already opted out of the central contracts for 2024, signalling his withdrawal from international cricket considerations.

"I stepped away from the national contract a long time ago for this reason, although the media sometimes suggested otherwise. For someone who hasn't been in a BCB contract for a year, there's no point in such discussions. Every cricketer has the right to decide their future, and I've taken my time to make this decision. Now, I feel the moment has arrived," he added.

"Captain Nazmul Hossain sincerely requested me to return, and I also spoke with the selection panel. I am grateful they believe I am still capable, but I followed my heart. It was shocking for me to step away before the 2023 World Cup, not for cricketing reasons.

"Still, wherever I went, fans expressed their wish to see me in the national team again. I deeply considered their love and support. My son didn't tell me directly, but he told his mother that he wants to see me in the national jersey. I'm sorry to disappoint the fans and told my son, 'When you grow older, you will understand your dad's decision,'" the post concluded.