DHAKA: Tamim Iqbal reversed his decision to retire after intervention from Bangladesh’s prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who he met on Friday afternoon, according to a report by EspnCricinfo.
The Bangladesh player met with the prime minister at her residence with his wife, his former captain Mashrafe Mortaza and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan, the report further stated.
The BCB had then appointed Litton Das the skipper for the second and third ODIs against Afghanistan.
“Today afternoon (Friday), the Prime Minister invited me to her house. She admonished me and asked me to play again, so I have decided to come out of retirement at this moment,” Tamim was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
“I can say no to everyone but it was impossible for me to say no to someone of the PM’s authority. (Bangladesh Cricket Board president) Papon (Nazmul Hasan) bhai, Mashrafe (Mortaza) bhai were big, big factors too. Mashrafe bhai called me here and Papon bhai was also with here.
“Prime Minister also gave me one-and-a-half months break for my treatment and other things. After becoming mentally free, I will play the rest of the matches.”
On Thursday, Iqbal had announced his retirement from international cricket. Iqbal, who played in the first ODI for his team in the ongoing series against Afghanistan, had opted to call it quits immediately.
He had skipped the one-off test against Afghanistan last month with a stiff back and scored 13 in Wednesday’s one-day international against Afghanistan in Chattogram, in what what thought to be his last ODI.
“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,” he had said in a highly emotional press conference.
“I want to thank all my team-mates, coaches, BCB officials, my family members, and those who have been with me through my long journey. They kept faith in me.
“I also want to thank the fans. Your love and faith in me inspired me to give my very best for Bangladesh. I want to ask for your prayers for the next chapter of my life. Please keep me in your prayers,” he had added.
Agencies