Tamim Iqbal withdrew his retirement decision after meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, he took a leave of one and a half months. He will play in the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup after leave expires. However, he will decide later whether he will return as a captain or as a player in the Asia Cup.
Yesterday, (Thursday) afternoon, Tamim announced his retirement from international cricket. Then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called him today Friday (07 July, 2023) at Ganobhaban. He went there with his wife in the afternoon. Mashrafe bin Murtaza was with him at that time. Then Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hasan Papon joined.
They held a meeting at Ganabhaban for about three hours. After leaving there at half past six, Tamim said that he has withdrawn his decision to retire following discussions with the Prime Minister.
Tamim said, "This afternoon, the honorable Prime Minister invited me to her residence. I had a long discussion with her. She instructed me to return to the game. I am taking back my retirement right now because I can say no to everyone, but it is impossible to say no to the great leader of the country.
Mashrafe Bhai and Papon Bhai are also big factors here. Mashrafe Bhai called me. Papan Bhai was also with him. The Prime Minister has also given me a leave of one and a half months. Whatever treatment I have or if I can be more free mentally, after a month and a half whatever sports (Asia Cup and World Cup), I will play inshallah.' — added Tamim.
Papon was by his side at that time. He said that Tamim will be out of cricket for a month and a half to get physically and mentally fit, 'because he is not physically and mentally fit yet, he has taken a month and a half time. I hope he will rehab in this month and a half and return to cricket soon.'
He said Tamim's retirement is a relief for everyone. Hey, how can we play if we don't have a captain?'
He further said, 'I had a feeling after seeing Tamim's press conference that he might have taken an emotional decision. I believed that if I could sit down with him face to face, maybe I would find a solution to this. Today we all sat with him through the Honorable Prime Minister. And he said in front of you that he is withdrawing his retirement letter.