Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday, insisting the 35-year-old star run-getter had “closed the chapter”.

Tamim, who has 25 centuries, the most by a Bangladeshi player across all formats of international cricket, had hinted at a return to the squad for next month’s Champions Trophy.

However, with his last appearance for the national team in September 2023, the veteran opener has chosen to focus on lucrative franchise cricket.

“I have been away from international cricket for a long time. The distance cannot be bridged,” Tamim wrote on Facebook.

“My chapter in international cricket is over.”

The left-handed batsman won his Test cap in 2008 a year after his performances in ODIs and T20Is.

In all, he played 70 Tests, 243 ODIs and 78 T20Is, scoring centuries in all formats.

Tamim initially opted out of the international team in 2023 and changed his mind the next day after a personal intervention by Bangladesh’s Prime Minister.

He was later dropped from the 2023 World Cup squad, with captain Shakib Al Hasan criticizing Tamim as “totally innocent”.

Earlier this week, Tamim met the national selection committee, which is keen to bring him back into the squad for the Champions Trophy.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also expressed his desire to bring Tamim back into the team.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a long time,” Tamim added of his retirement.

“With a big tournament like the Champions Trophy coming up soon, I don’t want to distract the team from discussions around me.”

Supporting his decision, Tamim explained the right of any professional athlete to continue playing or retire.

“I’ve given myself time. Now, I realize the time has come.”

Tamim is currently playing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in Sylhet.

The Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 and Bangladesh have been placed in Group A along with India, Pakistan and New Zealand.