Bangladesh cricket legend Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement from international cricket after 387 international appearances across all formats for the nation.
Previously announcing his retirement in July 2023, before reversing the decision within 24 hours, Tamim informed the Bangladesh selectors of his decision last week ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.
It is understood that captain Najmul Hossain Shanto requested him to reconsider his decision. Still, he has decided to stay true to his word and finishes with 5134 runs across 70 Tests, 8357 runs in 243 outings in ODIs and 1758 runs across 78 T20Is.
Last playing against New Zealand in September 2023, in the domestic arena he played for the Pune Warriors, St Lucia Zouks and Wellington as well as featuring for the ICC World XI in an exhibition match.
Announcing his retirement on Facebook, Tamim said: "I have been away from international cricket for a long time. That distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over. I have been thinking about this for a long time.
"Now that a big event like the Champions Trophy is coming up, I do not want to be the focus of anyone's attention, which could lead to the team losing their focus. Of course, I did not want this to happen before, too.
"Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return to the team. There were discussions with the selection committee too. I am grateful to them for still considering me in the team. However, I have listened to my own heart."