Tamim Iqbal confirms no return to international cricket in 2024

Tamim Iqbal. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Bangladesh’s star opener Tamim Iqbal has told the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that he will not be making any return to international cricket in 2024, according to reports. In a long meeting with BCB officials on Thursday, the 34-year-old conveyed his decision to take an indefinite break from the national team.

The cricketer announced his retirement from international cricket last year. However, after an intervention from Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Tamim withdrew his decision.

Tamim, who last played an ODI for Bangladesh against New Zealand in September 2023 and a Test match against Ireland in April 2023, also stated that he will not play Tests anymore due to fitness concerns. If he does make a comeback, it will be in the ODI format next year. Notably, he was absent from the ICC Cricket World Cup squad after a reported spat with fellow cricketer Shakib Al Hasan.

Also read: Khaled Mahmud urges for transparency regarding investigation report of World Cup failure from BCB

This issue will be settled pretty quickly: BCB cricket operations chairman

The recent development came after Tamim held a lengthy meeting with designated board members. “Tamim has informed us that he will not be playing Tests anymore because of his physical state and fitness issues. If he returns, he will return with the ODI format next year,” a BCB source told The Daily Star.

The left-handed opener has also raised objections regarding certain issues within the team setup. During the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Tamim had mentioned that “a lot of things have to be right” for him to return to the national team, fueling speculation about his differences with the team management.

BCB cricket operations chairman Jalal Yunus acknowledged the situation. “We have heard about everything from him and we have talked to him too. We will convey the message to the president and we feel that this issue will be settled pretty quickly.”

BCB director and Abahani Limited coach Khaled Mahmud expressed his desire for a swift resolution to the matter. “I feel that the quicker this matter is resolved, the better as it has become a thing that’s the talk of the town daily, I feel that Bangladesh cricket is above everything,” Mahmud said.

Also read: Sri Lanka celebrate with ‘timed out’ gesture to rub salt on Bangladesh’s wounds after series win

While acknowledging Tamim’s experience and performances, Mahmud questioned the idea of imposing conditions for his return. “Since he wanted to talk with the president, it’s better we don’t talk. Why he doesn’t want to play or what has to happen for him to play, is better if he clears it with the board and the president,” he concluded.