Two-Three More Years” – BCB Chief Faruque Ahmed on Tamim Iqbal’s Future

In his first spell as BCB president, Faruque Ahmed has bowled a beauty, declaring his hopes for Tamim Iqbal to keep smashing runs for Bangladesh a bit longer. Ahmed’s wish to keep the master blaster at the crease is the latest bouncer in the ongoing innings about Tamim’s international future.

Tamim Iqbal, one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketers, announced his retirement from international cricket in July 2023, ahead of the 2023 Asia Cup. His retirement decision came as a shock to many, given his stature in the game. However, following considerable persuasion from senior figures, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former captain Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim decided to retract his retirement announcement.

Despite this U-turn, Tamim’s involvement in international cricket has been limited. He withdrew from the 2023 ODI World Cup squad amidst a reported rift with fellow team member Shakib Al Hasan. This rift and his subsequent absence from the squad have fueled speculation about his future in the team.

In his debut innings as BCB president, Faruque Ahmed hit the pitch running, expressing a fervent wish to see Tamim Iqbal continue padding up for Bangladesh. Praising Tamim’s match-winning contributions, Ahmed made it clear he’s hoping to keep the veteran opener in the squad for a few more seasons.

Ahmed mentioned that he plans to speak with Tamim, acknowledging him as one of Bangladesh’s finest players. He expressed a personal desire for Tamim to continue playing for another two to three years but emphasized that this will depend on Tamim’s fitness and other factors beyond just his preference.

Tamim Iqbal’s last appearances in international formats were varied. He retired from T20Is in 2022 and last played a Test match against Ireland in early 2023. Ahmed conceded that while Tamim might find it challenging to play Test cricket at his age, there is still potential for him to contribute significantly in ODIs.

Ahmed played a smart shot, emphasizing the need to assess the right format for Tamim’s game. While Test cricket might be a tough pitch, ODIs could still see him in top form. Ahmed’s optimism shines through, whether Tamim stays on as a run machine or steps up into a leadership role at the board either way, his presence promises to bring some winning changes.

Even though Tamim has been away from international cricket, he has remained active in domestic cricket. His participation in the Dhaka Premier League for Prime Bank Cricket Club in May demonstrates his continued commitment to the sport.

Tamim’s recent withdrawal from international cricket due to a potential change in batting order led to a public fallout with Shakib Al Hasan. This incident highlighted the tensions within the team and the challenges faced by experienced players when adapting to new roles.

The potential return of Tamim Iqbal to the international arena is a topic of great interest and anticipation for Bangladesh cricket fans. Faruque Ahmed’s hope to see Tamim contribute for a few more years reflects a broader desire to retain experienced players who have significantly impacted the team.

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