"Different story if the BCB says they want to win the Champions Trophy" - Tamim Iqbal on possible international comeback

Bangladesh batter Tamim Iqbal has said he would consider playing for the side again if the Board commits to winning or at least making the semi-final of the 2025 Champions Trophy. The 35-year-old last played for Bangladesh in the New Zealand ODIs in September last year.

While Tamim announced his retirement in July 2023 during the Afghanistan ODIs, he immediately reversed his decision. However, he was surprisingly excluded from the ODI World Cup that followed the above-mentioned New Zealand series after a fall-out with the board and then-skipper Shakib Al Hasan.

Tamim then opted out of Bangladesh's central contract list earlier this year, indicating the end of his international career.

When asked in an interview with Sportstar about a possible return, Tamim said:

"It’s a different story if the BCB says they want to win the Champions Trophy or at least aim for the semifinals, 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," he added.

Tamim, however, would consider a comeback only if the board has a proper plan in place.

"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. So 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," stated Tamim.

Tamim has scored over 15,000 runs in an illustrious 16-year international career with 25 centuries. He is Bangladesh's second leading-scorer across formats behind Mushfiqur Rahim and their all-time leader in ODIs.

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

Bangladesh have missed Tamim's solidity at the top this year [Credit: Getty]

Tamim Iqbal further stated that he would comeback to play for Bangladesh only if a clear plan is in place, considering his unpleasant ending.

As of now, Bangladesh have only six ODIs against Afghanistan and the West Indies before the 2025 Champions Trophy in February.

"The way I finished wasn’t pleasant. So, if I were to come back and play, I’d need a clear purpose," said Tamim in the aforementioned interview. "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?"

Bangladesh have endured a torrid time in white-ball cricket without Tamim, with a pre-semi-final exit in the 2023 ODI and 2024 T20 World Cup.

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