Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal confirmed his retirement, saying his chapter in international cricket is over.
"I have been away from international cricket for a long time, and the gap will not close. My chapter in international cricket is over," Tamim wrote in a Facebook post Friday.
The national team selection panel recently met him to know his decision with regards to playing the Champions Trophy.
Tamim sought time from them to discuss with his family, friends and well wishers.
"I have been thinking on this for some time, and with the Champions Trophy ahead, I don't want discussions about me to disrupt the team's focus. I stepped away from the national contract a long time ago for this reason, although the media sometimes suggested otherwise," he said.
"For someone who hasn't been in a Bangladesh Cricket Board contract for a year, there's no point in such discussions. Every cricketer has the right to decide their future, and I've taken my time to make this decision. Now, I feel the moment has arrived," he added.
Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto also requested Tamim to reconsider the decision as he has been in good form.
Although Tamim was away from international cricket, he played domestic cricket and was the man of the tournament in the last BPL in which he also led Fortune Barishal to the title.
He performed well in last National Cricket League Twenty20 and is in good form in the ongoing BPL too.
"Shanto sincerely requested me to return, and I also spoke with the selection panel. I am grateful they believe I am still capable, but I followed my heart," he said.
Tamim had earlier retired in 2023 but later changed his decision.
"It was shocking for me to step away before the 2023 World Cup, not for cricketing reasons. Still, wherever I went, fans expressed their wish to see me in the national team again. I deeply considered their love and support," he said.
"My son didn't tell me directly, but he told his mother that he wants to see me in the national jersey. I'm sorry to disappoint the fans and told my son, 'When you grow older, you will understand your dad's decision,'" he concluded.
