WATCH: Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal bursts into tears while announcing his retirement from international cricket

Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal shocked everyone by announcing his international retirement on Thursday.

WATCH: Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal bursts into tears while announcing his retirement from international cricket

Tamim Iqbal got emotional while annoucing his retirment (Images via Twitter)

In what came as a shocking development to many, Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday with immediate effect. The 34-year-old who was set to lead the Tigers at the 2023 Asia Cup and 2023 ODI World Cup announced his sudden departure, leaving the team in tatters. 

But Iqbal did not have a ceremonious exit and looked in a lot of discomfort while he spoke to the media about his retirement. The 34-year-old broke down in tears when he told everyone that the ODI against Afghanistan on Wednesday was his last international match. 

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The 34-year-old went on to say that it was not a sudden decision and he has been thinking about it for a while. About the reason behind this big decision, Iqbal said he can’t reveal them but there are plenty. 

“Yesterday against Afghanistan was my last international game. I’m retiring from international cricket affecting right now,” said Iqbal. “It is not a sudden decision. I was thinking about it for a long time. There are some reasons I think there is no need to say here. I thought this is the right time for me to quit.” 

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BCB President and Head coach felt Tamim Iqbal was mentally weak

bcb president and tamim iqbal
BCB President, Tamim Iqbal (Image via Twitter)

With Tamim Iqbal announcing his sudden retirement, fans were left wondering about the reason behind it. After seeing Iqbal in tears at the press conference, fans sensed something fishy going on inside the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). 

Amid all the speculation, a journalist pointed out that BCB President Nazmul Hossain Papon and Head Coach Chandika Hathurusingha were not happy with Iqbal’s statement about assessing his fitness after playing the first ODI against Afghanistan. Hossain also suggested Iqbal be mentally strong. 

“I am absolutely furious with Tamim’s statement. Hathuru called me and shouted in anger for almost half an hour. Does he think this is gully cricket that he will check if he is fit or not after playing the game?” said the BCB President to Protidiner Bangladesh. 

“I will go to the stadium tomorrow. Tamim needs to be mentally strong. He needs to make a decision about what he actually wants to do. He keeps getting confused whether he should play or not. He did the same thing in the last Test as well.”

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