‘Tamim’s talent wasn’t fully harnessed’
With Tamim Iqbal announcing his retirement on Friday, another chapter in the legacy of Chattogram's renowned 'Khan Family' in Bangladesh cricket has closed. Akram Khan, Tamim's uncle, was the family's first representative in the national team, playing for the Tigers from 1988 to 2003. He was followed by Nafees Iqbal, Tamim's elder brother, who represented Bangladesh from 2003 to 2006. Tamim, the longest-serving family member in the national side and one of the country's greatest batters, debuted in 2007 and called it quits after an illustrious career filled with highs and lows. On Saturday, Akram, a former captain and current Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director, shared his reflections with The Daily Star's Samsul Arefin Khan. He spoke about the family's emotions following Tamim's decision, his mixed feelings about Tamim's career, and thoughts on his nephew's future plans. The excerpts from the interview are as follows:
The Daily Star (DS): How do you view Tamim's retirement as both a former captain and his uncle?
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Akram Khan (AK): It's quite normal, and it's part of life. I will miss him because Bangladesh achieved so many successes during his playing time, but at the same time, I would like to thank him because he was an extraordinary batsman.
When we began playing international cricket, bowlers had the upper hand against us. However, Tamim was the first Bangladeshi batsman to dominate them. And the proof is the 2007 World Cup when he went down the wicket to hit [India pacer] Zaheer Khan for a six. He was very young at that time. I think his fearless approach has taken Bangladesh cricket to new heights.
DS: Do you regret not seeing him in national colours for longer, especially post-2019?
AK: Definitely. After 2019, he was unable to play a lot of matches. I won't only blame Tamim or the others, as it was a collective fault of all people involved in the matter. We failed to fully harness his talent, merit, and experience.
DS: With Tamim's retirement, how do you feel about the end of your family's representation in the national team?
AK: I was thinking the same thing from the morning. I made my national team debut in 1988, and since then, there was at least someone from the Khan family until yesterday [Friday]. Hopefully, the next generation can carry the legacy of the family.
I'm really missing my elder brother [Iqbal Khan] at this time. Tamim is the favourite son of our whole family. I think, along with me, all my family members are upset about it.
DS: What are your thoughts on his future plans, such as commentary or administration?
AK: I think he has an interest in commentary, and he has received a lot of praise so far. A businessman starts his business from zero. But a good player who gets involved in a similar type of profession will be fifty percent ahead. It's absolutely his call, though.
[About being in administration] It's his call, as I said before. Whatever he does, my support and prayers will always be with him.
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