Tamim Iqbal has decided to come out of retirement a day after announcing his decision at an emotional media conference in Chittagong following an intervention by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The meeting took place in Dhaka on Friday.

“Today afternoon, the honourable Prime Minister invited me to her residence. She instructed me to play again, so I have decided to come out of retirement,” Tamim said.

“I can say no to everyone but it was impossible for me to say no to someone of the Prime Minister’s authority. Papon (Nazmul Hasan) bhai, Mashrafe (Mortaza) bhai were big factors too. Mashrafe bhai called me here and Papon bhai was also here. Prime Minister also gave me six weeks break for my treatment.”

Former captain Mashrafe, a member of parliament, is learnt to have played a big role and had requested the Prime Minister to intervene.

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Hasan said he was relieved. “I knew that if we could sit face-to-face, I could find a solution,” Hasan said.