New Delhi: Bangladesh’s star cricketer Tamim Iqbal announced his retirement from T20 international cricket. He announced his retirement via a post on his Facebook account following Bangladesh’s tour to West Indies.
After missing the T20 World Cup last year, he took a break from T20Is in January this year. However, he continued to play in the domestic league. Even on Bangladesh’s tour to West Indies, Tamim did not play the 3 T20I games. He took on social media to write, “Consider me retired from T-20 international from today.” This also indicates that he will continue to play the shortest format in different T20 leagues.
The 33-year-old batsman played his last T20I game against Zimbabwe at Mirpur in 2020. He scored 41 runs off 33 balls at a strike rate of 124.24. Meanwhile, he has scored a total of 1758 runs at an average of 24.08 with a strike rate of 116.96. Tamim has hit 7 half-centuries and one century in the span of 78 games in the format.
Recently, Bangladesh defeated West Indies in ODIs 3-0 under Tamim’s captainship. He was also named the ‘Player of the Series’ for hitting 117 runs in 3 games at an average of 58.50.
The opener’s fans are sharing their views on the internet.
Tamim Iqbal retired from T20I, he was the leading run-scorer in 2016 T20 World Cup.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 17, 2022
A fan wants the senior players in the team to make way for youngsters.
Tamim Iqbal has taken a brave decision by retiring from T20I. Others senior player should follw this.
Tamim Iqbal was highest run getter in 2016 T20 wc. pic.twitter.com/snoeUCcI4s
— Abul Hasanat (@iamhasanat) July 17, 2022
His fans wanted to see him play in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.
Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement from international T20 cricket. I respect your decision.But it’s hurt..what If u make the decision after the T-20WC. At least u should play the upcoming T20i??
Anyways..u r the best opener in our country ❤Thank you Tamim❤#TamimIqbal pic.twitter.com/Tn5HYJXSjw— Afrina?Sid lovers????? (@Afrina41013706) July 17, 2022
Cricket lovers of Bangladesh will always miss you in T20 format
#tamim Iqbal pic.twitter.com/2aSloKWL3v
— J A M A L (@jamalhossain007) July 17, 2022
Tamim Iqbal’s records for Bangladesh in T20I –
Fastest batter to score 500 runs ✅
Fastest batter to score 1000 runs ✅
Quickest to score 1500 runs ✅
First batter to hit ? in T20I ✅#Cricket#CricketTwitter— SJM0007 (@SheikhM75834079) July 17, 2022
During the ODI series between Bangladesh and the Windies, Tamim hinted at retiring from international cricket after the ICC World Cup 2023.
Tamim Iqbal hints at retiring (with three others) after the 2023 ODI World Cup ?
?️ https://t.co/9F4glZLtb8 | #WIvBAN pic.twitter.com/hkYuvLe1mE
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 14, 2022