Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal reverses international cricket retirement decision
- Published
Tamim Iqbal announced his retirement from international cricket at a news conference broadcast live on national television but changed his mind a day later
Bangladesh's Tamim Iqbal has reversed his shock decision to retire from international cricket a day after he said he was quitting.
The 34-year-old batter had said in a tearful press conference on Thursday it was the "right time" to walk away.
He subsequently met with Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka on Friday before announcing the U-turn.
"We had a long discussion after which she instructed me to return to cricket," Tamim said.
"I can say no to anyone, but it is impossible to say no to the most important person in the country."
Bangladesh one-day skipper Tamim's original announcement came a day after he played in the first ODI of a three-match series against Afghanistan, scoring 13 off 21 balls as Afghanistan claimed a 17-run win.
He came under heavy criticism, led by Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan, for deciding to play despite admitting he was not 100% fit.
Tamim, who is the only Bangladeshi to have scored centuries in all three formats of the game and had already retired from Twenty20 internationals in 2022, will now be given an opportunity to rest his body and mind.
"Having seen his press conference, I knew that he was being emotional about his decision," Hassan said.
"We sat with him through the prime minister, and he just told you that he is withdrawing the retirement letter. He is not retired. He has taken a break of six weeks when he will undergo rehab and get ready physically and mentally. He will return to cricket soon."
Tamim made his international debut in February 2007 and has played in 241 ODIs, scoring 8,313 runs with 14 centuries - both the highest by a Bangladeshi batter.
He also scored 5,134 runs from 70 Tests with 10 hundreds and had spells in England with Nottinghamshire and Essex.
Litton Das has been appointed captain for Bangladesh's remaining matches of their ODI series against Afghanistan on 8 and 11 July.