Tamim Iqbal
Tamim Iqbal reverses retirement decision following Sheikh Hasina's intervention
Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has reversed his decision to quit international cricket upon a request from his country's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
"The honourable Prime Minister invited me to her residence this afternoon," Tamim said.
"We had a long discussion after which she instructed me to return to cricket. I am withdrawing my retirement. I can say no to anyone but it is impossible to say no to the most important person in the country," he added.
"Mashrafe (Mortaza) called me while the BCB President was here. They were big factors (in making me reverse my decision). The Prime Minister has also given me a break of a month and half. I will complete my treatment and return to playing cricket."
Three months before the 50-over World Cup, Tamim on Thursday announced his retirement from international cricket.
Tamim made the surprising announcement at a press conference after Bangladesh lost the first of three ODI matches against Afghanistan a day ago.
Speaking to the reporters, Tamim, who moved to tears at the press conference, said, "The decision to retire is not sudden. I have been thinking about it and discussing it with my family members for some days.
"I thought this is the right time for me to take a side and retire from international cricket."
Tamim, 34, scored 5,082 runs in 69 Tests; scored 8,224 runs in 238 ODIs and scored 1,758 runs in 78 T20Is.
In 2016, the southpaw had created history by becoming the first ever Bangladeshi to score a century in the history of ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Tamim had slammed 103 not out against Oman.
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