Tamim Iqbal retires from international cricket: Details here
What's the story
Veteran Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has retired from international cricket with immediate effect.
The left-handed batter has been reeling with injuries lately and the same seems to have prompted his decision to hang up his boots.
Notably, Tamim was due to lead the Tigers in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India in October-November.
Here are further details.
Tamim
An emotional Tamim hang up his boots
As per ESPNcricinfo, Tamim made the major announcement at a press conference he arranged in Chattogram on Thursday (July 6).
Notably, a day before, Bangladesh suffered a 17-run defeat against visitors Afghanistan in the first ODI.
Skipper Tamim made a 21-ball 13 in that contest, which turned out to be his final international outing.
Meanwhile, the southpaw was emotional while announcing his decision.
Injuries
Injuries have been troubling Tamim
As mentioned above, Tamim, who announced his T20I retirement last year, has been troubled by injuries in the recent past.
He even missed the recent one-off Test against Afghanistan due to back issues.
Though he played the ODI series opener, the veteran had stated that he is not 100% fit.
Meanwhile, Litton Das will lead Bangladesh in the remaining two ODIs.
Stats
Highest run-getter for Bangladesh in ODIs
Tamim is Bangladesh's highest run-getter in ODIs with 8,313 runs in 241 games at 36.62 (100s: 14, 50s: 56).
His tally of 5,134 runs in 70 Tests at 38.89 is only second to Mushfiqur Rahim (5,553) among Bangladesh batters (100s: 10, 50s: 31).
With 1,758 in 78 games at 24.08, Tamim is Bangladesh's third-highest run-getter in T20Is (50s: 7, 100: 1).
Litton
Litton likely to lead Bangladesh in the ODI WC
Meanwhile, Tamim replaced Mashrafe Mortaza as Bangladesh's ODI skipper in March 2020.
As the 34-year-old has brought an end to his 16-year-long international career, Litton is likely to lead Bangladesh in the ODI WC.
Last year, he led the Tigers to a 2-1 ODI series win versus India at home.
Veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is Bangladesh's designated captain in T20Is and Test matches.
Statement
This is the end for me: Tamim
"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," an emotional Tamim said.
"It was not a sudden decision. I was thinking about the different reasons. I don't want to mention here. I have spoken to my family members about it."
"I thought this is the right time. "