DHAKA, July 7, 2023 (BSS)- President of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Nazmul 
Hassan Papon asked Tamim Iqbal to reconsider his retirement call, terming it 
as 'emotional and hasty'. 

Tamim decided to walk into the sunset yesterday all of a sudden, saying that 
the first ODI match against Afghanistan was his last International game. He 
didn't elaborate anything behind taking such a huge decision at the age of 
just 34. Many believed he still has two or three years more to give 
Bangladesh cricket.

Papon said the decision of Tamim, who was expected to lead the side at this 
year's ODI World Cup in India, was surprising and disappointing.

After an emergency meeting at a city hotel last midnight, following Tamim's 
sudden retirement he expected Tamim to return as he was yet to retire 
'officially'.

"Tamim's retirement is totally unexpected for us because we have had regular 
communication and since he is the captain of the side we have spoken about 
the team just three days ago," Papon told the reporters after the emergency 
meeting. 

"I don't have any clue as to why he had taken this decision. Even some days 
ago, he told me that he would play World Cup and then the Champions Trophy. I 
told him that he would lead the side in World Cup. As the World Cup is close 
there were no talks about change of captaincy and from a player like him when 
such things (announcement of sudden retirement) come it is very unfortunate," 
he added.

Papon informed that he tried to contact Tamim but failed to get hold of him. 
Later, he said that he sent Tamim a message through his elder brother Nafis 
Iqbal, who is the manager of national team, that he wants to sit with him to 
sort out the matter. 

"As I've sent a message I've to wait and see if he replies. I'm hoping that 
we can sort out the matter. It does not look good if one captain retires at 
the midst of the tournament and it is even not right. We want to give a good 
farewell but even after that if they don't want it, what can we do," he said.

Ahead of the first ODI against Afghanistan, Tamim made a statement that he 
was not at hundred percent but would assess his fitness by playing the first 
match. It's a statement that prompted Papon lash out at Tamim as he 
questioned his integrity, saying that did he think it's a gully cricket that 
he would assess his fitness here. Papon even remarked that the coach Chandika 
Hathurusingha also was annoyed by Tamim's decision to play the game despite 
not being hundred percent fit and complained about it. 

It is believed Tamim was hurt when his integrity was questioned. But Papon 
termed it 'out of question'. 

"It is out of question (that my remark played a part). Do you feel this kind 
of decision can be made all of a sudden before the Asia Cup and World Cup? I 
feel it is an emotional decision though he said that he has taken the 
decision after thinking for a while and talking with his family."

Papon said Tamim's decision would make an adverse impact on the team.

"Such sort of sudden decision will make an adverse impact on the team, 
specially when we are preparing for the Asia Cup and the World Cup. We are at 
good position to do well in World Cup but his decision is a spot of bother 
for us. At this point of time, I feel this kind of decision is harmful for 
us," Papon concluded.