Tamim Iqbal, the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s cricketing era, has made a stunning announcement—he will be absent from the 2024 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). A regular fixture in every season of the tournament since its inception in 2012, Tamim has been a key performer, a reliable captain, and an inspiring figure for his franchise. However, this time, he has decided to pull out of the competition, citing health concerns, personal preparation needs, and uncertainty surrounding the team.
On Sunday, November 16, Tamim confirmed to Cricbuzz that he had requested his name be removed from the players’ draft for the upcoming BPL, which is scheduled for November 23. “Yes, I’m not playing in BPL this time. I have requested for my name to be withdrawn from the draft,” said Tamim, making his decision clear.
Tamim’s impact on the BPL has been immense. As a prolific batsman, he has been consistently among the top performers in every season, and his leadership has been pivotal for his franchise. He was instrumental in helping Fortune Barishal win back-to-back titles, becoming one of the tournament’s leading figures. His presence in the BPL was almost synonymous with the tournament itself.
However, this year’s decision to step away was not entirely unexpected. Tamim’s career took a serious turn after his heart surgery in March 2024, which has kept him away from the field for a while. He has been focusing on rehabilitation and prioritizing his health before making a full return to competitive cricket.
Moreover, the team Tamim has been associated with—Fortune Barishal—has decided to pull out of the tournament, citing the short preparation window. This only increased the doubts surrounding his participation, as the franchise’s withdrawal led to a sense of uncertainty around the event.
Another factor playing a role in his decision is Tamim’s growing interest in cricket administration. Although he had previously planned to run for a position in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), he later withdrew due to issues with government interference. This suggests that Tamim’s future may not be limited to just playing cricket, as he has begun to think about broader roles within the sport.
At 36 years old, Tamim’s future in competitive cricket is now under intense speculation. His withdrawal from the BPL marks the end of an era for the tournament, where his name had been synonymous with success.
As a player who has inspired generations with his batting and leadership, Tamim is now taking time to reassess his future—whether it be in playing, administration, or possibly both. His next steps remain unclear, but his absence from BPL 2024 is a clear indication of a new phase in his cricketing journey.