Despite standing firm on his decision not to return, Tamim Iqbal took a bit of time to reconsider after persistent requests from the captain and the selection committee. Upon returning to Dhaka, he discussed the matter with his family.
For the selection committee, it was akin to a ‘Mission Impossible.’ They were well aware of Tamim Iqbal’s stance but also strongly felt the team’s need for his return. Ahead of the Champions Trophy, they decided to give it a try—hoping against hope. Their efforts managed to stir a ripple of thought in Tamim’s mind, but ultimately, nothing dramatic happened. The career of Bangladesh’s most successful opener concluded as expected.
When Tamim abruptly announced his retirement midway through the Afghanistan series in July 2023, it was a massive shock for the country’s cricket scene. At the time, he was the team captain, and such a decision was neither hinted at nor anticipated. The following day, he reversed his retirement decision upon the request of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, an extraordinary turn of events. However, this time, no such drama unfolded. Instead, Tamim chose a predictable path.
The slight twist came when Tamim requested more time to decide after a meeting with the selectors in Sylhet on Wednesday.
The meeting with the selectors was long, candid, and open. Alongside the three selectors, BCB Cricket Operations In-Charge Shahriar Nafees was also present.
They already knew Tamim was not inclined to return to international cricket. He had mentioned this informally during conversations and casual chats before. Even the former BCB president Nazmul Hasan (Papon) had publicly expressed his wish to bring Tamim back, but no formal initiative or discussion was undertaken during his tenure. Jalal Yunus, the former head of Cricket Operations, had occasionally talked with Tamim about the possibility of his return but never organized any structured or official discussions.
With the change in leadership following political transitions in the country, current BCB President Faruque Ahmed frequently mentioned his desire to see Tamim back. In informal talks, he conveyed his feelings to Tamim several times. However, Tamim reportedly turned him down each time.
On January 3, while the BPL games were ongoing, the president told journalists at the press box in Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium that the board would engage in a one-on-one discussion with Tamim before finalizing the Champions Trophy squad.
This led to the meeting between Tamim and the selectors.
In his farewell message on Facebook, Tamim reflected on the emotional blow he suffered before the 2023 World Cup when he had to step aside for non-cricketing reasons. He mentioned that the scar from that experience remained. During his discussion with the selectors, he revisited that context.
The selectors and the board tried to explain to Tamim how the current environment and their perspective had shifted with the changing dynamics. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain repeatedly emphasized the team’s needs, highlighting the value of Tamim’s experience, the reliability he brought to the top order, and the stability he could provide.
In the first round of discussions, Tamim still said ‘no.’ The selectors returned with that answer. However, a few national team players continued to urge Tamim to reconsider. Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto personally reached out to Tamim the day before, expressing his eagerness to have him back.
Later on Wednesday afternoon, the chief selector held another meeting with Tamim. This time, Tamim asked for some time to consult with his family.
On Thursday, after playing his BPL match, Tamim returned to Dhaka the next morning. He had already spoken to his wife about his decision before the meeting with the selectors. Upon returning to Dhaka, he discussed it with her again and had a conversation with his 9-year-old son, Arham.
In his farewell message, Tamim mentioned how his son was eager to see him don the national jersey once more. Back at their Dhaka home, Tamim had a private conversation with Arham, along with a few well-wishers and close confidants.
On Friday evening, Tamim informed the BCB Cricket Operations Division of his decision. That night, he announced it on social media. Later, he spoke with the chief selector, who expressed some regret but wished him the best for his future.
