Waiting for things ‘to be right’: Bangladesh ex-skipper Tamim Iqbal talks possible return to national side

Dhaka: Former Bangladesh skipper and opening batter Tamim Iqbal has stated that the circumstances of his return ‘have to be right’ if he has to play for Bangladesh again at the international level in a press conference after winning the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

"I would like to say one thing clearly. For me to come back, a lot of things have to be right otherwise there's no point for me to just come back and play," Tamim said.

Last year, in July, Tamim announced his retirement from cricket during the home ODI series against Afghanistan just a few months before the start of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. However, he reversed his decision after an intervention from Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Ahead of the World Cup, Tamim excluded himself by being unavailable for selection and didn’t take part in the tournament. He last featured for Bangladesh in the ODI format against New Zealand in September 2023, an ICC report said.

"I am at a stage of my career where I would probably play for another two years. So I need to tell them such things, and since I did not have a final talk with them, it won't be appropriate for me to comment here," Tamim said.

"I haven't spoken with him (new chief selector) yet. I was in communication with Jalal bhai (Jalal Yunus). I was available for a talk, but unfortunately, we didn't get the opportunity. I will be travelling abroad tomorrow morning, and hopefully, after I return, we will sit," he said.

Tamim continues to play in the franchise leagues and captains the side Fortune Barishal in the BPL, where he led them to the title and finished as the leading run-getter in the latest season with 492 runs.

Mushfiqur Rahim, who announced his retirement from T20Is in 2022, plays for the same side. Tamim believes if Mushfiqur were to come out of retirement, the Bangladesh side would ‘benefit’ with the T20 World Cup lined up in June.

"If he (Mushfiqur) decides to make a comeback .., there are several examples of legendary cricketers who played cricket after coming back from retirement and the way he batted if he decides to make a comeback (in T20Is), it will benefit Bangladesh, and nothing can be better than that," he concluded.