Fortune Barishal captain Tamim Iqbal was given a grand reception by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) right after the final of the 11th Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), which his side won by three wickets against Chittagong Kings in Mirpur on Friday.

Tamim, who had announced his retirement from international cricket during BPL 11, was handed special mementos by the BCB prior to the presentation ceremony of the final. A special video package was played, where players paid tribute to Bangladesh's most prolific run-getter in international cricket.

Tamim also spoke on the occasion, where he thanked his late father, his family, the cricket board and fans for supporting him throughout his 17-year journey for Bangladesh cricket.

"I've always said, it was my father's dream that I would represent my country. Unfortunately, he is not with me anymore. But I'm pretty sure he would have been proud of what I have done for this country," said Tamim.

He also gave a special mention to his uncle and former Bangladesh captain Akram Khan for his valuable teachings.

"Cricket is not that easy. You can be the son of the most powerful person, but if you don't perform, this game will never have you. I thank him [uncle Akram Khan] for all the things he has done for the country. He showed us what cricket is all about."

In a speech that lasted around four minutes, Tamim mostly thanked everyone who aided him in his long journey but could not help but let out slight disappointment at how his career for Bangladesh came to an end.

"It has been quite a journey, it was never meant to end like this. But unfortunately it has to. However long I have played, I have tried to enjoy myself," Tamim said.

The left-hander was dropped from the Bangladesh squad for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 due to fitness issues, which according to him were exaggerated, just months after he had retired and promptly unretired in a matter of 24 hours.

Tamim and Shakib Al Hasan, who captained Bangladesh in that World Cup, then had a public spat and Tamim remained detached from the national team since then.

Although he will no longer play for the Tigers, Tamim said that he will be active in cricket for at least a few more years.

"You will still see me for a couple of years, playing BPL and domestic cricket in Bangladesh."

The 35-year-old is set to play in the Legends 90 league, a tournament for retired players, in India this month, where Shakib is also supposed to play for a different.