Why retire at 34, asks Mashrafe 

Former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has come up with an emotional tribute on a social media post for 'best of the bests' Tamim Iqbal.

Like many other fans, Mashrafe was also puzzled about why the prolific left-hander suddenly decided to draw the curtains on his international career.

"Personally, I have a hundred per cent respect for your decision."

"Tamim, your decision is definitely yours alone. It doesn't matter whether someone likes it or not. There will be arguments from both sides. But which is the best, no one will understand better than you.

"But I want to know something, why bid farewell after just 34 years and 108 days! Was it not possible for you to carry on? Did some kind of pressure force you to make this decision! Many of your fans may seek answers to these questions today and for many days in future," wrote Mashrafe.

Mashrafe then recalled fond memories with his former teammate.

"I first saw you at your house in Chattogram, wearing shorts. Your brother, my friend Nafis Iqbal, introduced you to me. I saw you the next time in the National League in Khulna. Then from the 2007 World Cup you became like friends while traveling together.

"How many days and nights were spent together, eating out together, chatting for hours; all that mischief, fun, discussion and arguments about games, there is no way to keep track of those.

"When I was the captain of the Bangladesh cricket team, you were one of my 'snipers'. You yourself know that very well. The day I left the team, you took me on your shoulders … Many memories are now coming to my mind!" he continued.

"Knowing you, I could have easily done a post-mortem about your decision. But I won't do that, because we must respect your own decision," he added.

"I understand your emotional state, and at the same time I am saying that whatever you have given to Bangladesh cricket, we will remember it forever. How much hard work, how much time, how much talent and how much sacrifice were required to become a Tamim, time will tell everything. Endless love to you. I hope you will spend good time with your family.

"One more thing, I don't know who will do analysis-based discussions on various statistics within the team camp. Maybe someone will. But you will always be the best of the bests in this place.

"Goodbye Mr. Tamim Iqbal Khan. Farewell to a legend.

"Best wishes for Bangladesh cricket, may it move forward at a fast pace. It is time for us to move forward," he concluded.