'Incredible Tamim! Outstanding Tamim!'

For Tamim Iqbal, one side was always stable—the responsibility for that side rested with him. But the other side was ever-changing.

Today it was one partner; tomorrow, another. No one has been able to accompany Tamim as his opening partner for an extended period.

Yet, for 17 years, this experienced opener has consistently performed that role. It was Tamim who first demonstrated to Bangladesh cricket how to dominate opposition bowlers in the powerplay with fearless batting.

Aggressive Tamim, at one stage, learned the art of responsibility and adapted his playing style. Team first—this mantra became deeply ingrained in him. That's why, even when injured, he was seen batting with one hand. Over a 17-year international career, Bangladesh's greatest batsman has gifted cricket many iconic moments—moments we will never witness again, as Tamim has announced his retirement from international cricket.

On Friday, in a social media post, he stated his international cricket chapter has ended.

Throughout his cricketing journey, Tamim has played with numerous players. What image of him remains in their minds? The Business Standard sought that answer.

The publication interviewed his first national team captain, Habibul Bashar; Aminul Islam Bulbul; and two former teammates, Mohammad Ashraful and Shahriar Nafees. They shared insights about Tamim's batting style, success, and his persona beyond cricket.

Aminul Islam Bulbul

In my eyes, Tamim is the most successful opener in Bangladesh's cricket history. I first knew him as Akram Khan's nephew. I remember playing Test matches against Pakistan and Zimbabwe in Chattogram during my era. I used to field on the boundary line there, and Tamim often showed up. Back then, the security wasn't as strict, so he had easy access. We used to converse in English and joke around—he really enjoyed it. I knew he was Akram's nephew and Iqbal bhai's son. Even then, I could see immense potential in him. Akram used to say, "My nephew is going to be an excellent player one day." Eventually, he joined BKSP and later the national team.

During the 2015 World Cup in Australia, Tamim was in Langham Hotel and frequently told us, "Bulbul bhai should return to Bangladesh to contribute more." He always believed I could make a difference if I worked there. His support meant a lot to me. For all these reasons, I've always had a special connection with Tamim. Let me reiterate: Tamim is likely the greatest opener in Bangladesh's history.

One thing remains clear to me—Tamim was an outstanding player who never bowed down to pressure, whether on or off the field. His strategic abilities as a left-handed batter will leave a lasting legacy. I recall innings that are etched in memory, like the match in Lord's or the century in Khulna against Pakistan. Additionally, his BPL final century is unforgettable. Future generations of openers can learn much from him.

Not only was he a brilliant cricketer but also a compassionate human. Tamim often extended a helping hand to those in need, many times without revealing his name. For example, he donated money for the treatment of a stranger or gifted cricket board staff two sets of outfits during his wedding celebrations. While bad news tends to spread noisily, his good deeds often go unnoticed—except for those who know him closely, like I do.

Habibul Bashar

He is an extraordinary cricketer—a dream character. Someone who had so much to give to Bangladesh cricket. When Tamim entered the scene, Bangladesh's cricket underwent a transformation. He showed us how to capitalise on the powerplay by attacking at the top of the order.

In the 2007 World Cup, Tamim played signature shots that were unprecedented for Bangladesh cricket at that time. From then on, we saw him play significant innings, impactful knocks, and big scores. Many of those innings helped secure victories.

Tamim has always stepped up when the team needed him—even batting with one hand. His career has been emblematic of resilience. While I wish he could have finished his career on the field, I respect his decision. The heart drives an athlete's passion, and it's clear his heart told him it was time to hang up his boots. Nonetheless, Tamim Iqbal's name will forever remain at the pinnacle of Bangladesh cricket.

He never bowed his head and always stared opponents in the eye. Such fearless players require X-factors and courage to excel in international cricket. Tamim had it all. He is undoubtedly Bangladesh's greatest opener so far.

Mohammad Ashraful

No other Bangladeshi player has dominated new-ball batting as Tamim did, amassing 15,000 runs across three formats, hitting centuries at Lord's, and scoring twin Test centuries in England. Throughout his career, Tamim dominated with flair.

As an opener, he's one of the world's top four or five players when it comes to facing the new ball. His achievements are monumental for Bangladesh cricket, and he ranks as one of its finest ever. The Lord's century is the best of Tamim's innings I've seen.

Shahriar Nafees

I wholeheartedly congratulate Tamim on an incredible career. He is one of Bangladesh's finest batsmen, perhaps the best opener and batsman in our history.

Opening is challenging, yet Tamim approached it with aggression, setting benchmarks not just for Bangladesh but globally. He has served as a role model for future generations, leaving a tremendous legacy.

Tamim's records speak for themselves—he truly had an outstanding career. While his cricketing chapter concludes, I hope he continues to contribute to Bangladesh cricket in the future, just as he did while playing.