Former Bangladesh one-day captain Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement from international cricket, saying he did not wish to be a distraction for the team ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Bangladesh opening batter Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement from the international cricket. “Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return to the team. There were discussions with the selection committee too. I am grateful to them for still considering me in the team. However, I have listened to my own heart.”

The Bangladeshi batting great and former captain’s confirmation comes two days before the ICC’s deadline for teams participating in the Champions Trophy to announce their provisional squad.

Been thinking about this (retirement) for a long time. Now that there is a big seat ahead like the Champions Trophy, I don't want me to be discussed again and the team's attention disrupted,' Tamim Iqbal said in his Instagram post.

Former Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal revealed that current captain Najmul Hasan Shanto and the selection committee asked him to return to the team but the 35-year-old listen to his heart to retire from the international cricket.