Tamim Iqbal calls time on international career months before ODI World Cup

Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal has shocked the Asian outfit after announcing his retirement following the rain-marred ODI series opener against Afghanistan. The veteran opener has called time on his international career just three months ahead of Bangladesh's World Cup campaign in India. The senior batter pulled the plug on his 16-year-long international career in a press conference on Thursday, bursting into tears while making the announcement.  

The 34-year-old batter ends his career as the leading run-getter for Bangladesh in the 50-over format after making his debut in 2007. While he called time on his T20I career last year, Bangladesh sealed their direct qualification for the World Cup in India under his guidance. He has also registered 14 centuries in ODIs, the most by a Bangladeshi batter in the format. 

"This is the end for me. I have given my best. I have tried my best. I am retiring from international cricket from this moment. I want to thank all my team-mates, coaches, BCB officials, my family members, and those who have been with me through my long journey. They kept faith in me.

I also want to thank the fans. Your love and faith in me inspired me to give my very best for Bangladesh. I want to ask for your prayers for the next chapter of my life. Please keep me in your prayers," an emotional Tamim Iqbal said in the presser.

The southpaw has been one of the most consistent performers for the Asian side across all formats of the game. Bangladesh's leading ODI run-getter was also a prolific run scorer in the longest format of the game, finishing with 5134 runs to his name, the second most by a Bangladeshi batter. 

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