Bangladesh opening batsman Tamim Iqbal has announced his shock retirement from international cricket.
The 34-year old said this to the media in Chittagong a day after the first one-day international against Afghanistan.
One of the Tigers' best batters of all-time and the finest opener Bangladesh cricket has ever seen, Tamim thanked his teammates, coaches, Bangladesh Cricket Board, family and fans as he brought the curtain down on his long 16-year career.
Tamim, who retired from Twenty20 international cricket on July 16 last year, made his international bow on February 9, 2007 against Zimbabwe and played his final game for Bangladesh last Wednesday against the Afghans.
The southpaw has 8,313 runs in 241 ODIs (239 innings) at an average of 36.62 with 14 hundreds and 56 fifties.
In 70 Tests, Tamim has garnered 5,134 runs from 134 innings at an average of 38.89 with 10 centuries and 31 half centuries.
In the shortest format, the Chittagong lad has accumulated 1,758 runs from 78 innings, and holds the record of being the only Bangladeshi centurion in 20-over international cricket.
Here is the full transcript of Tamim's farewell press conference:
"The match against Afghanistan Wednesday was the last of my career. From this moment onwards, I'm saying goodbye to international cricket. I did not take this decision suddenly. I've been thinking about this for a while. There are different reasons, I don't think I have to mention those. I talked to my family regarding this. It occurred to me that this was the right moment. I'm retiring from international cricket. I thank everyone.
"I have always said I have played…(breaks down in tears). I play cricket to fulfill the dream of my father...(sheds tears). I'm not sure how much proud I've been able to make my father after 16 years in international cricket. There are many others whom I'd like to thank. My youngest uncle, Akbar Khan, he has passed away, through his efforts I played my first ever tournament with cricket ball. I'm grateful to him.
"At MA Aziz Stadium, Tapan sir used to coach me in my childhood…(cries silently). He used to train me, I'm indebted to him.
"I thank all the players with whom I have played in my career – Under-13, U-17, U-18, U-19, premier league. I also thank all those with whom I have played in the national team, especially the ones who were like my friends.
"Of course, also the cricket board. They gave me the opportunity to represent the country for such a long time, and captaining the national team. Actually I don't have to say much. One thing I'd say is, I tried my very best, I gave my very best…(voice shaking). Maybe I'm not good enough, or I am good enough. But whenever I was on the field I gave my 100%. Actually I want to say a lot of things. But all of you can see I'm not in a state to talk. I hope you all will respect the situation…(weeps). This is not an easy moment to talk. Having played for so many years, it is not easy to say goodbye to international cricket. I have called you all at such short notice. I thank everyone from the media.
"I request the media, those who play cricket in future, you will write about them, good things, bad things, but stick to cricket, don't go beyond that. If cricketers play well, write good things about them, criticize them if they underperform. All of you can realize that sometimes it goes beyond cricket. Those who're playing right now, it's an extremely important year for them with the World Cup coming up. I hope all of you will be like a member of the team, and provide support.
"I would like to say again that I started playing the game to fulfill my father's dream. I don't know how much I've been able to do that. Maybe there are more who I should have thanked, if I forget some names please forgive me. How can I forget my mother. My brother, wife, two children. They have suffered a lot during my journey, but there were also happy moments. I thank them. I have nothing more to say. One thing I'd say is, please, end this topic now. It's the end, at least in international cricket. Please don't make any mockery further regarding this. I've always said the team is bigger than any individual. There are two matches left in Afghanistan series, I hope the team wins. Thank you, everyone."