When ODI captain Tamim Iqbal announced that he was going to give a press conference to the media at a location outside of the team's periphery, a large part of the media did not have the remotest clue what was going to transpire. Bangladesh's most successful ODI captain in terms of win-loss ratio for players captaining at least five games, the Tigers' greatest opener shocked everyone by announcing his retirement from international cricket today afternoon.

Tamim was overcome by the gravity of what he was going to announce, tears rolling from his eyes. When he spoke, he communicated just how difficult a time this was for him.

He thanked those that supported him including the players he had played with from his age-level days through to his teammates in the national side.

The players must be in shock at the retirement of the cricketer that they have been in awe of since their childhoods.

The likes of Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam felt grateful for the support of their 'big brother' and captain.

"It's been a long journey with YOU on and off the field with lots of moments & memories together. I'm grateful to YOU because of all the support You gave us as a Brother and Captain. We will miss you Tamim bhai," Taskin wrote on his Facebook.

Photo: Facebook

Pacer Shoriful Islam had made his ODI debut under Tamim at Dhaka against Sri Lanka in May 2021. He felt proud to have appeared alongside a legend of Bangladesh cricket.

"Back when I was young and started understanding cricket, I used to watch and enjoy Tamim bhai playing. Didn't think that one day I will have the fortune of playing alongside him. My debut match too came under Tamim bhai's captaincy.

I am proud to have played cricket alongside a legendary cricketer. You will be missed a lot in international cricket, Shoriful wrote on his Facebook.

Ebadot Hosaain, another from national team pace battery, was emotional as well, posting a picture of a moment on the day they had their last practice session with Tamim. The picture shows a happy bunch of players with Afif Hossain, Ebadot and Taskin in all smiles alongside the skipper.

"This picture is the last day of our practice. You are laughing with us ->> Tamim Bhai. Today you are retiring from international cricket. It's hard for me to accept. You are such a good person; may Allah always bless you brother. Thanks for your great contribution to Bangladesh. We will miss you," Ebadot captioned the brilliant image.

Photo: Facebook

Liton Das has been Tamim's partner in crime and formed a formidable opening partnership with the dashing left-hander. Liton posted pictures and a heartbroken emoji alongside a caption dedicated to the skipper.

"We batted together, shared a dressing room. Had a lot of memory together. Can't believe you will not play for Bangladesh anymore. Will miss you badly vai. All the best for your future life," he wrote on his Facebook.