'World Cup khelke retirement le leta' - Fans react as Tamim Iqbal announces retirement from international cricket ahead of 2023 ODI World Cup

Tamim Iqbal (Source: Twitter)

Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, July 6, shocking the cricketing fraternity. In an emotional press conference, the 34-year-old stated that he was thinking about calling up his illustrious 16-year career for a while now for different reasons, which he did not mention. The opening batter retired from T20Is on June 17, 2022.

His surprise decision came a day after Bangladesh lost the first of three ODIs against Afghanistan and three months before the World Cup. Captaining his country against Hashmatullah Shahidi's side in Chattogram, the Southpaw scored 13 off 21 balls in what he described as his last international game.

"This is the end for me. I have given my best. I have tried my best. I am retiring from international cricket from this moment. Yesterday against Afghanistan was my last international game. I am retiring from international cricket effective right now. It was not a sudden decision. I was thinking about different reasons. I don't want to mention it here. I have spoken to my family members about it. I thought this is the right time for me to retire from international cricket," Iqbal said.

Asking for your prayers for the next chapter of my life: Tamim Iqbal

Iqbal, who made his international debut in an ODI match against Zimbabwe in 2007, finished his career as Bangladesh's all-time leading run scorer in the 50-over format. He has scored 8314 runs in 241 matches and holds the record for most ODI centuries (14) among Bangladesh players. Coming to red-ball cricket, he finishes as Bangladesh's second-highest run-getter in the format with 5134 runs from 70 matches.

Tamim also thanked his teammates, Bangladesh cricket board officials, coaches, family members, and fans for their love and faith in him. "I want to thank all my teammates, coaches, BCB officials, my family members, and those who have been with me through my long journey. They kept faith in me."

"I also want to thank the fans. Your love and faith in me inspired me to give my very best for Bangladesh. I want to ask for your prayers for the next chapter of my life. Please keep me in your prayers," he added.

Here's how the fans reacted: 

Still remember when young tamim iqbal smashed zaheer khan and munaf patel mercilessly in 2007 icc cwc in 🇹🇹.

— Sohailbinsawwad (@sohailbinsawwad) July 6, 2023

True Legend for Bangladesh 💯

— Elon  (@akula_v_n) July 6, 2023

Still haunts his knock in 2007 WC against us...

— Sajeev Devadasan (@SajeevDevadasan) July 6, 2023

What’s wrong with this guy? He takes decision just before the ICC Event.

— CHARLIE (@CharlieGulshan) July 6, 2023

What?? Why?? 😳
He just captained in an ODI yesterday! Just 3 months away from World Cup in subcontinent! Would be a huge loss to Bangladesh!! 🤯

— NK (@nirmal_indian) July 6, 2023

Fitness issue. But,very emotional person.He can't take any criticism.

— Rafsan (@ESanyath) July 6, 2023

Bc World Cup Khelke Retirement Le Leta 🙄

— Virat FC 👑🐐 (@Gaurav23409) July 6, 2023

One of the best runmachines for Bangladesh

— vhrr (@vhrr16572668) July 6, 2023

The batter which Bangladesh can't forget. One of the greatest player ever to play for Bangladesh.

— Surya Verma (@surya78_verma) July 6, 2023