Tamim announces he will never play for Bangladesh again

Tamim Iqbal will no longer play for Bangladesh. Captain Najmul Hossain wanted Tamim in the Bangladesh squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. Considering the captain's preference, the selection committee also wanted to bring Tamim back, and the BCB had taken steps towards this.

After two rounds of discussions with the selection committee in Sylhet, chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain informed journalists that Tamim would make a decision after speaking to his family and well-wishers. A short while ago, the country's top opener announced his decision on social media.

Here is the complete text of his Facebook post:

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"I've been away from international cricket for a long time. That distance will not be bridged anymore. My chapter in international cricket is over.

I have been thinking about this for a while. With a major tournament like the Champions Trophy ahead, I do not want discussions surrounding me to disrupt the team's focus.

This is something I never wanted before either. That's why I stepped down from the BCB central contract a long time ago.

Even though many have said and it has often been reported in the media that I kept this matter lingering, the truth is I stepped down from any kind of BCB contract over a year ago. There was no reason for me to be included in any plans or for discussions surrounding me. Still, unnecessary discussions have occurred. Deciding to retire or to continue playing is the right of any cricketer or professional athlete. I took time for myself. Now, I feel the time has come.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has sincerely asked me to return. Discussions were also held with the selection committee. I am grateful to them for still considering me capable. But I have listened to my heart.

What happened before the 2023 World Cup was a big blow for me, as I did not step aside from the team for cricketing reasons. Even so, wherever I went, many cricket fans told me they wanted to see me back in the national team. I thought about their love.

I even have a fan at home. My son never told me directly, but he repeatedly told his mother that he wanted to see his father play in the country's jersey again.

I am sorry to disappoint my fans. To my son, I say, 'When you grow up, you'll understand your father.'"