Tamim Iqbal

BAN
BAN
Batsman
Batsman
Tamim Iqbal

Player Bio

Tamim Iqbal is one of the most renowned cricketers in Bangladesh and a household name for cricket fans worldwide. Born on March 20, 1989, in Chittagong, Bangladesh, Tamim's love for cricket started from an early age. He comes from a family with a rich cricketing background, his uncle being the former Bangladesh skipper Akram Khan. Tamim's journey to becoming one of the country's top cricketers was not easy; he had struggled through adversity and challenges before he established himself as an integral part of the national team.

Early Life and Background

Tamim's father organised small cricket tournaments to encourage his sons to improve their cricketing skills. From a young age, Tamim showed immense talent and dedication towards the sport. He began playing competitive cricket at the local level before moving up to play for different district teams. Tamim's breakthrough came when he scored a century against England in an Under-19 match in 2005.

Despite his outstanding performances at the domestic level, it took some time for him to establish himself in the national team due to stiff competition. However, once given a chance, Tamim proved his worth as an opener with solid performances that cemented his place in the squad.

Rise to Prominence

Tamim rose quickly through the ranks thanks to his impressive performances at both domestic and international levels. He soon became a vital cog in Bangladesh's batting lineup as well as an experienced player with great potential for achieving greatness.

His rise to prominence was marked by notable achievements such as scoring his first century against Ireland and smashing the highest score by any Bangladeshi batsman (154) against Zimbabwe.

Cricketing Career

Tamim has played 70 test matches with an average of 38.89, scoring 5134 runs, including ten centuries and 31 half-centuries. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has played 241 matches, scoring 8313 runs with an average of 36.62 and recording 14 centuries and 56 half-centuries. He has also played 78 T20 internationals.

Tamim is an opener who plays as a top-order batsman known for his aggressive batting style that allows him to score runs quickly. He has a solid technique and the ability to play both attacking and defensive shots effectively, making him one of Bangladesh's greatest batsmen.

Notable achievements in Tamim's cricketing career include becoming the first Bangladeshi player to score a century at Lord's, England, and achieving Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2011. He scored a double century against Pakistan in a Test match and helped Bangladesh secure a draw.

Tamim is the only Bangladeshi cricketer to score centuries in all three game formats and holds the record for scoring the most hundreds in ODI cricket from Bangladesh.

In July 2022, Tamim announced his retirement from Twenty20 International cricket after setting numerous records at this level, including becoming the first Bangladeshi in ICC Men's T20 World Cup history to score a century (103*) against Oman at the 2016 tournament.

Major Tournaments and Series

Tamim Iqbal is regarded as one of the all-time best Bangladeshi cricketers, and his contributions to various ICC tournaments have made him a fan favourite. He has played in three World Cups (2007, 2011, and 2015) and three ICC Champions Trophy editions (2009, 2017, and 2022). Tamim possesses an impressive record in ICC tournaments.

His highest score in any ICC tournament came with an impressive 128 against England during the Champions Trophy in 2017. At the same tournament, he had a solid performance overall with three half-centuries throughout Bangladesh's campaign. Additionally, his century against Oman during the T20 World Cup in 2016 was one of the most memorable moments by a Bangladeshi player at an ICC tournament.

Tamim also performed exceptionally well during the Asia Cup where he scored four consecutive half-centuries for Bangladesh. His consistency throughout the tournament helped guide Bangladesh to a runner-up finish.

In domestic leagues like IPL or other T20 leagues, Tamim has not featured prominently. However, he has represented Peshawar Zalmi in Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he showcased some incredible performances with both bat and fielding.

Playing Role and Skills

Tamim is a top-order batsman who opens the batting for Bangladesh in all formats of cricket. He is known for his aggressive approach towards bowling from the very first over of an innings.

One of his main strengths is his ability to play both attacking and defensive shots depending on match situations. He can effortlessly switch between attacking strokes to putting away loose balls when required.

Tamim's technique against fast bowlers is excellent as he plays them comfortably off both fronts and backfoot due to his quick footwork. However, he struggles against spin bowling and is susceptible to getting out against left-arm spinners.

His tactical awareness and adaptability are noteworthy. Tamim can change his approach according to the match conditions, as he did during Bangladesh's first-ever Test series win against England in 2016. His ability to play long innings is remarkable, as shown by his double-century against Pakistan.

Personality and Off-the-Field Persona

Off the field, Tamim is known for his calm demeanour and dedication towards cricket. He has been a senior player in the Bangladesh team for many years and has led the side on various occasions.Tamim has been involved in various social causes, including donating his bat from a Test match to help raise funds for those affected by Cyclone Sidr in 2007.

He also participates actively in charity work through his foundation, "Tamim Iqbal Foundation," which focuses on providing education to underprivileged children. Tamim's wife Ayesha Siddiqa is also heavily involved in social work through her organisation 'Ek Takay Ahar,' which provides food assistance for underprivileged children. In terms of endorsements, Tamim is sponsored by various brands like PepsiCo, Apex Footwear Ltd and Akhtar Furnishers Limited. 

Tamim Iqbal has played a vital role in elevating Bangladesh Cricket's status over the last decade with some outstanding performances across all three formats of the game. His aggressive batting style, solid technique and tactical awareness have helped him become one of the most successful openers of all time.

Legacy and Impact

Tamim Iqbal's career has had a significant impact on Bangladesh cricket. His aggressive style has inspired many young cricketers in the country, and he remains an essential part of the team's top order. He has been instrumental in helping his team record some historic wins.

Tamim is Bangladesh's leading run-scorer in Test cricket, with 5134 runs to his name. He also holds the record for most centuries by a Bangladeshi batsman in international cricket, with 25 tons against his name.

In addition, Tamim is the only Bangladeshi player to have scored centuries in all three formats of the game. His contributions to Bangladesh cricket will be remembered forever.

Recognition and Awards 

Tamim Iqbal has received numerous awards throughout his career. In 2011, he was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year and Wisden Test Player of the Year, becoming only the second Bangladeshi player to receive these honours.

He was also named Bangladesh's ODI Cricketer of the Year three times (2014, 2015, and 2017) and their Test Cricketer of the Year twice (2010 and 2013).

In addition to these accolades, Tamim has set several records during his international career, including being named Man of the Series in Bangladesh's first-ever bilateral series win against Sri Lanka.
Tamim Iqbal's journey as a cricketer inspires many young athletes worldwide. From humble beginnings playing small tournaments organised by his father to becoming one of Bangladesh's biggest cricketing stars ever, Tamim is a true inspiration for aspiring cricketers everywhere.

His aggressive batting style has been a delight for fans worldwide. However, it is his contributions to the Bangladesh cricket team that make him a legend of the game. He has led his side from the front on numerous occasions, and his match-winning performances have been a treat for cricket fans worldwide.

Tamim is a record-breaker, with numerous records to his name. His ability to score runs consistently and lead from the front has helped Bangladesh register some historic wins in international cricket. He has also set multiple individual records, becoming Bangladesh's leading run-scorer in Test cricket, which highlights his impact on Bangladesh cricket.

In conclusion, Tamim Iqbal is one of Bangladesh's greatest cricketers ever and an inspiration for many young aspiring cricketers worldwide. His aggressive style and contributions to Bangladesh cricket have cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats.

FAQs
How many runs has Tamim Iqbal scored in ODI cricket?
Tamim Iqbal has scored 8313 runs in ODI cricket.
What is Tamim Iqbal's highest score in the Test cricket format?
Tamim Iqbal's highest score in the Test cricket format is 206.
How many centuries and half centuries has Tamim Iqbal scored in ODI cricket?
Tamim Iqbal has scored 14 centuries and 56 half-centuries in ODI cricket.
What are Tamim Iqbal's stats in the List A cricket format?
Tamim Iqbal has played 298 List A matches, securing a total of 10785 runs with the highest score of 158 and an average of 38.65.
What is Tamim Iqbal's strike rate in the T20?
Tamim Iqbal's strike rate in the T20 is 53.8 in 2023.