'The cricket board looks after me, but the players also need to be welcoming' - Tamim Iqbal on potential international comeback

After countless years of serving Bangladesh cricket, the past couple of years have not been the most pleasant for Tamim Iqbal. After announcing retirement in July 2023, Tamim was quick to reverse his decision. However, he was unceremoniously excluded from the 50-over World Cup squad which followed the ODI series against Bangladesh in which he last featured for the nation. 

In a recent discussion, the erstwhile skipper spoke about him making a prospective comeback and the conditions for that to occur. However, he seemed to be in a state of dilemma which was about the stakeholder he would be representing, if at all given a chance. 

"It’s a different story if the BCB says they want to win the Champions Trophy or at least aim for the semi-final, and that this will likely be the last tournament for three or four senior players, regardless of past differences, and that the BCB will work to resolve any issues. That’s the right way to approach things. But the question is - 'do I play for the cricket board, or do I play for the team?'. Where should the request come from? The cricket board looks after me, but the players also need to be welcoming," stated Tamim, as quoted by Sportstar.

Also Read: IND vs BAN 2024: Tamim Iqbal heaps praise on 'phenomenal' Arshdeep Singh for match-winning show against Bangladesh

If I were to come back and play, I’d need a clear purpose: Tamim

Discussing further, Tamim also highlighted another condition on which he would consider holding talks with the Bangladesh Cricket Board on his comeback. It was about him getting a longer run in the setup, and not just a handful of games.

Also Read: 'Tell beforehand that you'll bat first' - Aakash Chopra wants different approach from India in second Bangladesh T20I

"If there’s a proper plan in place regarding what they want to achieve, then I can consider it and we can have a discussion. But right now, you’re talking about the Champions Trophy, where there are only four or five ODIs, and three in the West Indies. Essentially, we’re talking about just six or seven games. Since I’ve stepped back and someone else has taken my place, it doesn’t make sense to return for just a handful of matches. The way I finished wasn’t pleasant. If I were to come back and play, I’d need a clear purpose. I’m not someone who would return just for the sake of it and play only four or five games. What’s the point? Everyone says, 'come back, we want you,' but if I only play five games, will that really help Bangladesh cricket?," added Tamim.

Bangladesh will be touring the West Indies for a three-match ODI series a couple of months ahead of the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy.