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Veteran opener and former Bangladesh national team captain Tamim Iqbal has sought few more days to make his final decision on his international career and also about his participation in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy, to be held in Pakistan and the UAE in February, said chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain on Wednesday. 

Ashraf, along with two other national selectors—Hannan Sarkar and Abdur Razzak—met Tamim in a hotel in Sylhet where the second phase of the Bangladesh Premier League is currently taking place. 

After the meeting, the chief selector told the reporters that a final decision was yet to be made and he expected that the final call would come from Tamim himself. 

However, Ashraf assured that the team will be announced on January 12, ahead of the scheduled date—regardless of whether Tamim is included or not. 

‘You will have an eagerness to know about Tamim Iqbal’s international career; it’s very natural,’ Ashraf told the reporters. 

‘The discussion on this matter with Tamim might’ve happened earlier. But whatever happens, there’s a big event ahead of us. We have talked. But no discussion can lead to an instant decision because it’s a big one,’ added the chief selector. 

‘In that regard, the matter of taking some time is obvious. As we have to announce the team [Champions Trophy] on the 12th [January], we have to submit the team before that. We thought that we could let him take some time; there’s no hurry. He’s playing a tournament, and we’ve completed the initial discussion.’ 

Ashraf also said that Tamim, who last played for Bangladesh in September 2023, recently hinted about his retirement in a casual chat with former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi and has taken the time to consult with his family before making a final decision. 

‘We’ve come here on behalf of the board. There are no complications here. And one thing must be noticed: players have a matter of discussing with close ones, family, and sometimes favourite coaches and well-wishers on such an issue like making a comeback.’

Ashraf also added that Tamim might have finalised his decision before. But, ‘Such a big player he is! Still, a doubt can creep in sometimes. And who doesn’t honour his family!’ 

‘If I give a statement, then that could be like an announcement on behalf of Tamim. I personally want this matter—whether he’s making a comeback or not—to come from himself. And as he’s far from his family right now, I think this is a fair call,’ added Ashraf. 

The chief selector also said that they were not sure about Shakib Al Hasan’s inclusion in the team.

The ace all-rounder, who has recently been suspended from bowling due to a suspected action, wanted to bid farewell to ODI cricket with the Champions Trophy. 

‘There’s no indication of Shakib. He couldn’t pass the first test, which was very shocking. I’ve to confirm whether he appeared in another test on a personal level.’