NEW DELHI: In a dramatic turnaround, veteran opener Tamim Iqbal has withdrawn his decision to retire from international cricket on Friday after an intervention from Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Tamim broke down crying while announcing the immediate end to his international career after leading his side to 17-run defeat in the first of a three-match one-day series against Afghanistan.
But on Friday, Tamim said he had a change of heart after being asked to return to the game by the Bangladeshi leader.
"I can say no to everyone except the most important person in the country," he said outside Hasina's official residence in Dhaka.
"We had a long discussion. She has instructed me to return to cricket. I am withdrawing my retirement."
However, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Jalal Yunus said Tamim will take a six-week rest to regain fitness. He has been under physical and mental pressure in the past six months, which affected his performance.
Earlier in the day, Litton Das was named Bangladesh captain for the remainder of their one-day international series against Afghanistan, following the shock resignation of Tamim.
Bangladesh begin their ODI World Cup campaign on October 7 against Afghanistan in Dharamshala.
Left-handed opener Tamim has scored 15,000-plus runs in international cricket, including 25 centuries.
His ODI tally of 8,313 runs is the highest by a Bangladesh batter and his 14 centuries in this format is also higher than any of his compatriots.
(With AFP inputs)
