Tamim Iqbal withdraws decision to retire from International cricket after intervention from PM Sheikh Hasina

Just a day after announcing his retirement from International cricket, Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal withdrew his decision to hang his boots from the sport. The move comes after intervention from Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Tamim met the Bangladesh PM and also posted the picture on his social media.

The opening batsman made a shocking announcement on Thursday when he suddenly decided to walk away after an ODI match against Afghanistan. It was being speculated whether he took his retirement after Bangladesh Cricket Board chairman Nazmul Hasan statement. But he has now took back the decision and confirmed the same. "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, and Mashrafe (Mortaza) bhai were big, big factors too. Mashrafe bhai called me here and Papon bhai was also 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," Tamim added.

Tamim's sudden resignation

A teary-eyed Tamim made the shocking announcement to the media. "This is the end for me. I have given my best. I have tried my best. I am retiring from international cricket at this moment. I want to thank all my teammates, coaches, BCB officials, my family members, and those who have been with me through my long journey. They kept faith in me," he had said.

BCB chairman Nazmul Hasan asked Tamim to reconsider his decision

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Cricket Board Chairman Nazmul Hasan had stated to the media that he wants Tamim to reconsider his retirement decision. After the 34-year-old's decision on Thursday, Hasan chaired an emergency meeting. After the meeting he interacted with the media and put his words. "The reason why we sat today is that suddenly we have seen that Tamim announced in the media that he retired. It was totally unexpected for us because we have had regular communication... and because he was the ODI skipper, even three days back we spoke with him about the squad and even today I have spoken with him," Nazmul said after the meeting.

Hasan stated that he sent a message to Tamim's brother, looking to get a hold of the batter. "I am trying to communicate with him since the morning and later tried with Nafees Iqbal (Manager of the Bangladesh team and Tamim's brother) but still could not get hold of him. At that point, I sent a message to Nafees stating that I want him to lead the side in this series and later we can sit and discuss what can be done. A legendary cricketer like him should not take hasty and emotional decision and he is very important for the team.

"If he (Tamim) does not play vice-captain will run the show and Litton is there as vice-captain. We want him to return after changing his decision and he did not resign to us, rather whatever we are hearing, was said in the media," he added.

However, after this decision, Bangladesh handed Litton Das the captain's hat for the time being. Notably, it was being speculated that Hasan's statement to the media about Tamim playing against Afghanistan despite not being 100 per cent fit, played a part in the batter's retirement decision. But the chairman denied any such speculation. "It is out of the question (that my remark played a part). Do you feel this kind of decision can be made all of a sudden before the Asia Cup and World Cup, what are you saying? I feel it is an emotional decision though he said that he has taken the decision after thinking for a while and talking with his family," said Nazmul.