ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Tamim Iqbal sets comeback conditions for the tournament

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has hinted at a potential return to international cricket, but only if the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) promises a serious goal of winning the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

Tamim, who last donned the national jersey during the ODI series against New Zealand in September 2023, made headlines with his brief retirement announcement and subsequent withdrawal last year.

Tamim Iqbal's return depends on BCB's Champions Trophy 2025 ambitions

His exclusion from the 2023 ODI World Cup squad raised eyebrows, which may be due to his fallout with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and former captain Shakib Al Hasan.

In early 2024, the seasoned opener opted out of the BCB's central contract list, further fueling speculation about his future. Now, as the Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, Tamim has made it clear that he will only consider rejoining the Bangladesh cricket team if the BCB prepares a concrete plan for success and if the players would want him to join the side.

Tamim stressed that his comeback would totally depend on the BCB’s dedication to winning or at least aiming for the semi-finals of the prestigious tournament next year. However, the 35-year-old cricketer has also voiced concerns about the motives behind his potential return.

He questioned whether he would be playing for the BCB or for the Bangladesh cricket team, saying any request for his comeback must come from a genuine desire to improve Bangladesh cricket. The prospect of participating in just a handful of ODIs without a clear strategy does not appeal to him.

BCB looks after me, but the players also need to be welcoming: Tamim Iqbal

Tamim Iqbal was quoted as saying by Sportstar: “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.”

Tamim further explained, “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, so we have only six ODIs, three against Afghanistan and three in the West Indies before the tournament. 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.”

I would not return just for the sake of 4-5 games: Tamim Iqbal

Tamim has made it clear that he is not interested in returning merely for the sake of playing a few matches. The former Bangladesh captain has openly admitted that the way he announced his retirement, he was not happy, but he will return only if there is any clear purpose.

He signed off by saying, “The way I finished wasn’t pleasant. So, if I were to come back and play, I’d need a clear purpose. 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?”

Notably, Tamim is currently in India, commentating in the ongoing T20I series between the hosts and Bangladesh. He was also part of the broadcasting team in the recent Test series, where the Bangladesh team suffered a whitewash at the hands of India.