Tamim Iqbal does a U-turn; comes out of retirement after PM intervention

In an explosive development, Tamim Iqbal, who announced on Thursday (July 6) that he was retiring from international cricket with immediate effect, has done a U-turn and has rescinded his retirement after intervention from Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The decision comes on the back of Tamim meeting the Prime Minister on Friday (July 7) at her residence. Former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief Nazmul Hassan were also present at the residence of the PM, where the meeting took place.

"Today afternoon, 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 said on July 7 outside the PM's residence, reported Cricbuzz.

"I can say no to everyone but it was impossible for me to say no to someone of the PM's authority. 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," Tamim added.

The U-turn from Tamim comes just over 24 hours after he announced his international retirement.  On Thursday, Tamim called for an emergency press conference and announced his retirement. He did not reveal the reason behind the sudden retirement decision but said that he’s given his everything, and no longer has anything to offer.

"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. I want to thank all my teammates, coaches, BCB officials, my family members, and those who have been with me through my long journey," he said on Thursday.

“Yesterday against Afghanistan was my last international game. It was not a sudden decision. I was thinking about the different reasons. I don't want to mention here. I have spoken to my family members about it. I thought this is the right time for me to retire from international cricket.”

However, hours after Tamim's announcement, BCB President Nazmul told reporters that he was still hopeful that he'll be able to convince the 34-year-old to reconsider his decision.

Nazmul, after Tamim's U-turn, announced that the incumbent ODI skipper has taken a break of six weeks, during which he will recover physically and mentally. 

 "Having seen his press conference [on Thursday], I knew that he was being emotional about his decision," Nazmul said. 

"I knew that if we could sit face-to-face, I could find a solution.

"We sat with him through the Prime Minister, and he just told you that he is withdrawing the retirement letter. He is not retired. He has taken a break of six weeks when he will undergo rehab and get ready physically and mentally. He will return to cricket soon."

In Tamim's absence, Litton Das will captain Bangladesh in the remaining ODIs against Afghanistan.