‘Would not come back for playing just 4 or 5 games’- Tamim Iqbal on potential return to international cricket

Tamim Iqbal, a legendary opener for Bangladesh, has made a suggestion on a possible comeback to international cricket. After taking a break from the game in 2023, the 35-year-old is now thinking about making a return.

Tamim’s sudden departure from the game caught both players and spectators off guard. His brief return was marred by a public feud with captain Shakib Al Hasan, which prevented him from playing in the 2023 ODI World Cup. There has been speculation that Tamim will wear the national colors once more since Faruque Ahmed, the recently appointed president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), has encouraged him to return.

The manner I concluded wasn’t enjoyable. I must thus have a reason for returning to play. I don’t intend to return only to play four or five games out of sheer curiosity. What’s the deal? Everyone says, “Come back, we want you,” but will Bangladesh cricket benefit if I attend five games? Tamim Iqbal stated, “If they have a clear plan for what they want to do and accomplish, then I can consider it and we can talk accordingly.

Which side am I on when playing cricket? The team or the cricket board? Tamim Iqbal

The southpaw proposed a strategy from the board that would include a specific objective, like qualifying for the 2025 Champions Trophy semifinals. He emphasized the value of older players sticking together and resolving any conflicts that may have arisen inside the group.

“This will likely be the last competition that the three or four senior players participate in, regardless of whatever the differences are, and if they (the BCB) tell me that we want to win the Champions Trophy or at least make it to the semifinals, the BCB will rectify it. This is how you should talk to people,” he continued.

Under new skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Bangladesh side has been playing well. They have won a 2-0 Test series against Pakistan at home and advanced to the Super 8 stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Yes, without a doubt. However, the question is: do I represent the team or the cricket board? From whence should this request (approach) originate? In the previously mentioned interview, Tamim stated, “The cricket board looks after me, but the players also need to be welcoming.”

The seasoned opener talked about his sadness at not being able to attend the 2023 ODI World Cup in spite of his attempts to work things out with Shakib Al Hasan.

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“You may have strained relationships or disagreements with others, but when it comes to the interests of the country, everyone should stand together and retaliation should be avoided. Tamim said, “Unfortunately, that did occur.