AL-AMIN

Tamim Iqbal sent shockwaves throughout the sporting fraternity yesterday when the Bangladesh ODI captain announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect.

The best opening batter the country has ever produced, Tamim left all and sundry speechless at a hotel in the port city of Chattogram, where the left-hander abruptly drew curtains on a chequered 16-year international career during an emotional press briefing.

“Yesterday [Wednesday] against Afghanistan was my last international game. I am retiring from international cricket, effective right now,” Tamim told reporters.

His decision to quit with the 50-over World Cup in India only three months away and Bangladesh possibly having their best line-up ever and a shot at a first-ever World Cup title led to some burning questions.

Why did Tamim decide to quit when he had at least another couple of years left in him to serve the country? Why did Tamim, who was singularly focused on the coming ODI World Cup only a few months ago, take such a decision, which is damaging for him as well as for his country?

Tamim, at 34, is still no pushover as a batter. His healthy ODI average of 36.62 runs speaks volumes of his ability.

And his record as ODI captain is enviable to say the least. Under his stewardship, Bangladesh have won 60 per cent of their ODIs. After Mashrafe’s retirement in 2020, Tamim took over as ODI captain. In his 37 games at the helm, Bangladesh won 21 games, losing 14.

At the press briefing, Tamim -- wearing a black T-shirt and a baseball cap -- did not elaborate on his sudden decision. He thanked everyone associated with cricket and wished the Tigers the best in the upcoming World Cup.

He did not field questions from the attending press corps but left enough food for thought about his sudden decision. “There are different reasons, which I don’t think are necessary to reveal here. In fact, for some days, I’ve been discussing it with my family members,” Tamim said.

Tamim has been under tremendous pressure both from the team management and some cutthroat media ever since his last-minute withdrawal from the one-off Test against Afghanistan last month due to a recurring back problem.

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