Bangladesh veteran opener and ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal has withdrew his retirement decision and is all set to return to international cricket with the forthcoming Asia Cup under the directives of the PM.
The decision came after the 34-year-old went to the Prime Minister’s official residence in Ganabhaban early today along with former Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza.
Following the meeting Tamim told reporters that the Prime Minister given him a one month and half long rest from all forms of cricket and will return with the approaching Asia Cup.
‘The honourable prime minister invited me to her residence this afternoon. We had a long discussion. She has instructed me to return to cricket. I am withdrawing my retirement, said Tamim after the meeting.’
‘I can say no to everyone except the most important person in the country. Mashrafe bhai called me while Papon bhai was here. They were big factors.’
‘The prime minister has also given me a break of a month and a half. I will complete my treatment and return to playing cricket.’
Meanwhile the Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan Papon who was also presented in the meeting termed Tamim’s decision as emotional adding that now they are relieved.
‘Having seen his press conference, I knew that he was being emotional about his decision. 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.’
‘Of course we are relieved. How can we play without our captain?’
Tamim, who announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, was due to meet the head of state at 2:30 p.m.
In an emotion-chocked presser following the first ODI against Afghanistan, Tamim notified that he would no longer serve the national team calling an end to his 16-year-career, just three months prior to the ODI World Cup to be held in India.
A few hours afterwards Tamim's announcement and following an urgent meeting of the board, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hassan Papon said later yesterday that Tamim is still the ODI captain of Bangladesh, adding that the board were yet to receive his official resignation.
