Dhaka/IBNS: Bangladesh opening batter Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement from the international cricket.

Announcing his retirement on Facebook, Tamim said: "I have been away from international cricket for a long time. That distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over. I have been thinking about this for a long time.

"Now that a big event like the Champions Trophy is coming up, I do not want to be the focus of anyone's attention, which could lead to the team losing their focus. Of course, I did not want this to happen before, too.

"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."

Tamim wrapped up his career with 15,192 runs for Bangladesh, the second-most after Mushfiqur Rahim.

In July 2023, he had announced his retirement, but later reversed his decision.

The 35-year-old amassed 5134 runs across 70 Tests, in addition to 8357 runs in 243 outings in ODIs and 1758 runs across 78 T20Is.

His last international outing came against New Zealand in September 2023.

(With inputs from ICC)