Tamim Iqbal officially announced his retirement from international cricket through a Facebook post, bringing down the curtain on a storied career that spanned over 16 years. The 35-year-old opener leaves behind a legacy filled with remarkable achievements and records that have cemented his place as one of Bangladesh's greatest cricketers, report agencies.
Tamim made his international debut in a 2007 One-Day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe in Harare. He played 243 ODIs, 70 Tests and 78 Twenty20 internationals (T20Is).
Tamim previously retired from international cricket a few months before the 50-overs World Cup in India in 2023, but reversed that decision in a day. He then missed out on the World Cup due to a back injury.
Key milestones and achievements
The Only Bangladeshi with centuries in all formats: Tamim became the first and remains the only Bangladeshi batter to score centuries in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. He achieved this feat with a century in the 2016 T20 World Cup.
First Bangladeshi to 15,000 international runs: Tamim was the first Bangladesh player to cross 15,000 international runs. He accumulated 15,192 runs for Bangladesh, later surpassed by Mushfiqur Rahim (15,300).
Most international centuries for Bangladesh: Tamim scored 25 centuries across formats, more than any other Bangladeshi player.
Prolific fifty-plus scores: With 119 fifty-plus scores (94 fifties and 25 centuries), Tamim leads the chart for Bangladesh. Shakib Al Hasan follows with 114.
Highest batting average among Bangladeshi batters: Among Bangladeshi batters with at least 500 runs across formats, Tamim boasts the highest average of 35.41.
Bangladesh's ODI run machine: Tamim remains the only Bangladeshi batter to surpass 8,000 ODI runs, finishing with 8,357 runs in 243 matches.
Pioneer in six-hitting: He was the first Bangladeshi to hit 100 sixes in ODIs, finishing with 103 sixes, later overtaken by Mahmudullah (107). Across formats, Tamim hit 188 sixes, second only to Mahmudullah (208).
Youngest ODI centurion for Bangladesh: At just 19 years and 2 days, Tamim scored 129 runs against Ireland in 2008, setting the record for the youngest ODI centurion for Bangladesh.
Record-Breaking innings: Tamim holds the record for the highest individual ODI score by a Bangladeshi batter, with 158 runs against Zimbabwe in 2020. He also has the only two 150-plus ODI scores for Bangladesh.
Test milestones: Tamim was the first Bangladeshi to score a double century in Tests, with 206 runs against Pakistan in 2015. His 312-run opening partnership with Imrul Kayes in the same match remains the highest second-innings opening stand in Test history.
Captaincy success: As ODI captain, Tamim led Bangladesh in 37 matches, winning 21, with a success rate of 60 per cent-the highest for any Bangladeshi captain with at least five ODIs.
Longevity in international cricket: Tamim played 391 international matches (387 for Bangladesh), the fourth-most by any Bangladeshi player, behind Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mahmudullah.
Reliable fielder: With 106 catches across formats, Tamim is one of only four Bangladeshi fielders with over 100 catches, joining the ranks of Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mahmudullah.
