The One-Day International skipper of Bangladesh and renowned opening batter Tamim Iqbal has declared his retirement from international cricket, shocking the cricketing fraternity. The choice was made right after a shocking defeat to Afghanistan in a match hampered by rain.
Bangladesh has to select a new captain for leading the team with the ODI World Cup only three months away. Tamim spoke his final words in a tearful press conference, ending an illustrious career.
For the 50-over format, Tamim’s replacement has not yet been chosen by the Bangladesh Cricket Board. It’s possible that Shakib Al Hasan or Litton Das could be given the captaincy duties.
In Twenty20 International matches, Shakib already serves as the Bangladesh team’s captain and Litton is expected to take over in Test matches.
Tamim’s final Test trip for the nation came against Ireland in April; he had previously retired from twenty-20 internationals at the same time last year. As a teenager, the left-handed opener earned his ODI debut in February 2007, propelling himself into the international stage.
In the World Cup in the West Indies, when Tamim debuted his career, Bangladesh overcame India in a historic victory, and Tamim scored a half-century to show off his abilities.
Setback for Bangladesh as Tamim Iqbal Retires three months ahead of the World Cup 2023
Tamim Iqbal leaves an outstanding legacy in Bangladesh cricket as he puts up his boots. He has scored over 8,000 runs, putting him the national team’s highest ODI run scorer.
He also holds the record for the most hundreds for Bangladesh, with 14 to his name. Tamim ranks third among the current players in terms of ODI runs, only behind Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Tamim cemented himself as one of the best batsmen in the country with over 5,000 runs, with 10 hundreds and 31 half-centuries, in Test cricket. He also scored 1,758 runs in the T20I format, including one century and 7 half-centuries.
An era in Bangladesh cricket has come to an end with Tamim Iqbal’s retirement. He contributed major contributions to the team’s success and will always be regarded as a legend in Bangladesh cricket history. As the country says goodbye to its respected captain, attention is now focused on the selection of a new captain who can lead the team to future wins.
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