‘I tried my best’: Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal breaks down in tears as he announces shock retirement

“Yesterday against Afghanistan was my last international game. I’m retiring from international cricket effecting right now. It is not a sudden decision. I was thinking about it from a long time,” he said.

“One thing I will say is I tried my best….I really tried my best. Maybe I was not good enough or good enough I don’t know. But I tried, I gave my 100% whenever I was on the field.”

“I’ve always played the game to fulfil the dream of my father. I’m not sure how much I have made him proud.”

Tamim Iqbal is the third-highest run-scorer among current cricketers, behind Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, amassing 8,313 runs in 241 games including 14 centuries

He had made his debut in 2007 and is also the third-highest run-scorer among current cricketers, behind Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. “I also want to thank the fans. Your love and faith in me inspired me to give my very best for Bangladesh. I want to ask for your prayers for the next chapter of my life. Please keep me in your prayers,” added Iqbal in his retirement speech.Many cricket fans were shocked at Tamil Iqbal’s decision. “Such a gentle and kind person, so sad to learn about it. He, Shakib and Mushfiqur were the three players who kept Bangladesh cricket alive,” an user tweeted.

“So Sad , of course it’s a sudden decision otherwise why would he announce retirement before three months of mega event,” said another fan.

Another user commented” “Truly a great legendary player he is deserves a great send off.”