Bangladesh opening batsman Tamim Iqbal has taken a six-month break from T20Is as he focuses on the new cycle of the World Test Championship, and qualification for the upcoming 50-over World Cup.
Tamim revealed this to the media in Chittagong Thursday, and left the door open for a return to the side for the T20 World Cup later this year, but only if the circumstances are absolutely desperate and the selectors consider him for selection.
Since playing the last of his 74 T20Is against Zimbabwe in March, 2020, the 32-year old has missed subsequent series against New Zealand (twice), Zimbabwe, Australia and Pakistan either due to injury or personal reason, along with the T20 World Cup 2021 in Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Opting out of the T20 World Cup in the Middle East especially was clear evidence of the left-handed batter's unwillingness to play the shortest format, although Tamim didn't make an official announcement.
However, following the Tigers' disastrous performance in the world event, especially the fragile top-order, and with another 20-over World Cup approaching in October-November in Australia, Bangladesh Cricket Board high-ups have been urging Tamim to reconsider his decision.
Through all this time Tamim has always batted for the case of the top-order batters, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar and Mohammad Naim to name a few, and backed them to come good for the national team in future.
"I talked with a few people in the last couple of days, the board president (Nazmul Hasan), Jalal Younus, Kazi Inam Ahmed, they asked me to continue playing T20Is. Honoring them I have decided not to play T20Is for six months (and not retire from T20Is just yet)," said Tamim.
"During this time I will focus on ODIs and Tests. If I am needed after six months, the selectors consider me and provided I feel fit, then I will play.
"I hope our youngsters play so well that I am not required, and that they go to Australia. I believe I will not be needed anymore. Even then if my team need me before the T20 World Cup, and if I think I am required then I will think about it.
"I want to make it clear to everyone, I am not retiring from T20Is."
In his 74 T20Is for Bangladesh, Tamim has scored 1,701 runs at an average of 24.65 and strike rate of 117.47.
The Bangladesh ODI captain's immediate attention though will be to improve Minister Group Dhaka's fortunes in the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 2022.
Dhaka have played four matches, winning just once, and will take on Sylhet Sunrisers in their first game of the second phase in Chittagong.
The Dhaka-Sylhet game at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium begins Friday at 6:30pm.