Twitter Reactions

‘Tu toh chhipkali nikla’ – Fans react as Tamim Iqbal withdraws retirement on Prime Minister’s request

Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal stunned fans on Thursday by announcing his retirement from international cricket. Bangladesh was defeated in the opening ODI of their three-match series against Afghanistan. Given the team’s preparations […]

Jul 7, 2023 7:08 pm

Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal stunned fans on Thursday by announcing his retirement from international cricket. Bangladesh was defeated in the opening ODI of their three-match series against Afghanistan. Given the team’s preparations for the forthcoming ODI World Cup in 2023, the outcome was disastrous.

Tamim Iqbal has withdrawn his retirement following intervention from Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On Friday afternoon, he met her after being asked to a meeting. Tamim was with his wife, Ayesha Siddiqa and along with former captain Mashrafe Mortaza, and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan at the Prime Minister’s mansion.

This is the end for me: Tamim Iqbal

Revealing the news in a press conference, a teary-eyed Tamim said, “This is the end for me. I have given my best. I have tried my best. I am retiring from international cricket from this moment. Yesterday against Afghanistan was my last international game. I am retiring from international cricket effective right now. It was not a sudden decision. I was thinking about the different reasons. I don’t want to mention here. I have spoken to my family members about it. I thought this is the right time for me to retire from international cricket.”

He further added, “I want to thank all my teammates, coaches, BCB officials, family members, and those who have been with me through my long journey. They kept faith in me. I also want to thank the fans. Your love and faith in me inspired me to give my very best for Bangladesh. I want to ask for your prayers for the next chapter of my life. Please keep me in your prayers.”

He is Bangladesh’s most successful ODI batsman, having scored 8313 runs from 241 ODIs at an average of 36.62, including 14 centuries and 56 fifties. As captain, he led his team in 37 One-Day Internationals, 21 of which Bangladesh won. His victory percentage of 60 is the greatest of any of the 15 captains who have never led the national team, including the most-capped Mashrafe Mortaza, who has a win percentage of 58.13.

Here’s how fans reacted

Fir kal roya kyu

— 𝓹𓃵 (@cricloverPrayas) July 7, 2023

https://twitter.com/viratified_king/status/1677295323709063169?s=20

😂😂😂😂
Liton das bhechara kuch ghanto ka captain

— Smarth Bhatia (@smarth_30) July 7, 2023

He had to withdraw it how can a player of his calibre retire at just 28

— Abhishek Sharma (@ImAbhisharma24) July 7, 2023

I think we all predicted he will take retirement back everybody know how Bangladesh cricket works 🤣

— UMAYRR (@umayr99) July 7, 2023

Good decision… he's one of the finest opener in world cricket. His presence will make big impact for Bangladesh.

— Flintstones 🏕️ (@PowerXmer) July 7, 2023