Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbad announced retirement for the second time, on January 10, with a long Facebook post. Iqbal earlier had stepped down in 2023, but after the request of the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, he had decided to come back but stood out of the BCB Central Contract for almost a year till 2024. The Bangladesh players have requested him not to take such a drastic decision. Iqbal mentioned their captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, who also urged him to stay till the Champions Trophy 2025. However, Iqbal decided to listen to his heart. In a long Facebook post, Iqbal wrote, "I have been away from international cricket for a long time," Tamim wrote on Facebook. "That distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over. I have been thinking about this for a long time. Now that a big event like the Champions Trophy is coming up, I do not want to be the focus of anyone's attention, which could lead to the team losing their focus. Of course, I did not want this to happen before, too. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return to the team. There were discussions with the selection committee too. I am grateful to them for still considering me in the team. However, I have listened to my own heart." Facebook/Tamim Iqbal Read also: Watch: Tamim Iqbal’s Heated Exchange with Alex Hales Tamim Iqbal's U-turn in 2023 In an emotional press conference on July 7, 2023, Tamim Iqbal had announced his retirement from ODI cricket for the first time. Bangladesh then had their big assignment, the 2023 ODI World Cup coming in three months. However, the then prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, summoned him in her residence and had a long meeting, after which Iqbal reversed his decision. Tamim Iqbal played his first international match for Bangladesh in 2007. Since then, 70 Tests, 243 ODIs, and 78 T20Is. He finished his career with 5134 runs in Tests that include 10 centuries, 8357 runs in ODI and 1758 runs in T20I.