Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hasan has made a plea to cricketer Tamim Iqbal to reconsider his retirement decision and make a return to the team ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 on July 6. The sudden retirement announcement by Tamim came as a complete surprise to both Hasan and the cricket board, as there had been no indications or hints from the player leading up to the decision.
Tamim’s retirement announcement has left fans and the cricket board in shock, especially considering the proximity of the ODI World Cup. In response, the board members held an emergency meeting in Dhaka on Thursday night to try and persuade Tamim to change his mind.
Hasan revealed that he personally spoke to Tamim about the team’s squad prior to the player’s press conference, and emphasized that there had been regular communication between them. Tamim, being the ODI skipper, had even discussed the squad with the board just three days prior to his retirement announcement.
I did not have any clue that this kind of decision can come. I have spoken with him personally about his future and he said that he will play till the next Champions Trophy later he spoke about World Cup captaincy with Jalal bhai (BCB cricket operation chairman) and I told him that he is the captain, stated Hasan.
Since the retirement announcement, Tamim has not been responding to calls from Hasan, prompting the board president to contact Tamim’s brother Nafees Iqbal, who is the manager of the Bangladesh cricket team. The board is hopeful that they can address any issues with Tamim, as him stepping away during a World Cup year is not an ideal situation.
The unexpected retirement of Tamim Iqbal has left the Bangladesh cricket community in shock. With the ODI World Cup just months away, the board is keen for their star player to reconsider his decision and contribute to the team’s success. The plea to Tamim to return highlights the importance of his presence as a powerful opener and experienced leader.
It remains to be seen whether Tamim will change his mind and rejoin the team, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board is not giving up hope. Their regular communication with him and the support he has as the ODI skipper further underscores the desire to have him back. Only time will tell if Tamim will answer the call and make a return to international cricket.
