Tamim Iqbal, one of Bangladesh's cricketing icons, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. This marks the second time the left-handed batsman has made such an announcement, following his brief exit in July 2023. On that occasion, Tamim reversed his decision within days after a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, this time, he confirmed his decision on Friday night, bringing an end to a prolonged period of speculation and drama surrounding his cricketing future.

In response to Tamim’s retirement, tributes poured in from cricketers across the globe, particularly from his closest teammates in the Bangladesh national team. Longtime friend and teammate Mushfiqur Rahim expressed his emotions in a heartfelt Facebook post. He wrote, “Tamim, after your retirement, I just want to say how proud I am of all your achievements. Buddy, you’ve been an incredible ambassador for Bangladesh cricket and a world-class batsman. I will always cherish our partnership in Dubai during the Asia Cup, especially when you batted with a broken finger. That act of courage showed your love for the game and your dedication to the country. Wishing you a happy retirement, my friend. I will miss you on the field, and I am grateful to have found an amazing friend like you through cricket.”

Mahmudullah Riyad also shared his thoughts on social media, praising Tamim’s illustrious career. He wrote, “Tamim, congratulations on a long and brilliant international career filled with remarkable achievements. You have accomplished so much and contributed immensely to Bangladesh cricket. Playing alongside you has been a great joy. Whether on the field or off, we’ve shared so much together. I wish you a joyful retirement and all the best for your future endeavors. You will always be remembered.”

Tamim’s decision to retire comes after a tumultuous 18 months marked by injuries, inconsistent form, and speculation about his future. His initial retirement in 2023 shocked fans and fellow cricketers alike. At the time, many cricketing stars, both from Bangladesh and abroad, paid tribute to his illustrious career. However, at the request of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Tamim returned to the national setup, adding another chapter to his already eventful career.

Despite his return, Tamim struggled with injuries and fitness issues, which limited his impact on the field. In his final months, questions about his role in the team and his ability to contribute at the highest level became a point of contention. His permanent retirement announcement now puts an end to the uncertainty.

Tamim’s legacy as one of Bangladesh’s finest cricketers remains unquestionable. As the country’s all-time leading run-scorer in ODIs, he played a pivotal role in many of Bangladesh’s historic victories. Known for his aggressive batting style, Tamim was instrumental in establishing Bangladesh as a competitive force in world cricket.

The reactions from his teammates highlight the strong bonds he formed over the years and the deep respect he commanded in the dressing room. As Tamim steps away from the international stage, his contributions to Bangladesh cricket will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant part of its history.