Bangladesh’s former skipper Tamim Iqbal said on Wednesday that people can criticise Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah but cannot take away their achievements in international cricket.

Bangladesh’s ongoing India tour turned out as a tour of retirement considering two great cricketers of the country retired from T20Is during the series.

Shakib and Mahmudullah, who had already retired from Test cricket, announced their retirement from T20Is while Shakib is eyeing to retire from Test cricket during the two-match Test series against South Africa at home, subject to security clearance from the government.

“Whenever anyone retires, it's not pleasant to hear or talk about that. Since I have spent so much time with them (Shakib and Riyad), of course I feel bad. Also I feel proud for both of them,” Tamim told reporters at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday.

“I think he (Mahmudullah) has done a lot for Bangladesh cricket. I always say that don't think about the recent past, he has had a big career and he has done a lot for Bangladesh cricket. I wish him all the very best. Nobody can take away his achievements,” Tamim said about Mahmudullah.

“Whatever they have achieved in international cricket and whatever they have done for Bangladesh. You can criticise them the whole day but you cannot take away those things away from them,” he added.

“What both of them have done for Bangladesh cricket, will be remembered for years and years to come.”

‘You can criticise them but cannot take away their achievements’Tamim added that he doesn’t feel there is any right place for cricketers to retire as they can take the decision when the call comes from within.

All the members of Bangladesh’s fabulous five- Mashrafee bin Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah- retired from T20I but none of them could do that in the World Cup or in front of their fans at home.

Many feel that the seniors did not have a proper retirement plan in place and as a result missed the opportunity that was seized by some biggest stars of the sports.

“For me it's not important (retiring in the World Cup), personally I don't think that way. It's about a call from within. When I think it's time, it's time. Whether it's a bilateral series, whether it's an ICC event, it depends on what you feel. I was hearing about Gilchrist (his retirement during a series),” he said.

“You can plan for the 2025 Champions Trophy or the 2027 World Cup, but probably you'll get a call tomorrow morning. So that is it. It depends on the individual. Remember, it's not very easy to leave the game. Also it's important to leave at the right time. Different people have different mindset, you can't say right or wrong,” he said, adding that though he is not playing international cricket at the moment but after completing his stint in the commentary box he will start his preparation for the Bangladesh Premier League after the series.

There is huge speculation that Tamim is entering the board as director in the coming days.

“I'm doing commentary now, then will focus on cricket. I'm not thinking about that right now (being a board director). I have two months' time after this and I will completely focus on cricket,” Tamim said. 

The southpaw added that he doesn’t feels that local coaches are ready to play as head coach of the national team as they hardly do coaching in longer-version cricket.

“I personally don't think any local coach is ready to become national team's head coach. I also said that there are three- four coaches who are ready to become assistant coach. When someone is to become a captain, we tell to let him play a bit more, and then he will become the captain. That's exactly the same for the coaches. There are a few of them who are very much capable of doing assistant coach's job. If they work there for 2-3 years, they will be capable of becoming Bangladesh's head coach. That's what I meant. I don't think at the moment, anybody is ready,” said Tamim.

“Head coach is a very different thing. If they are with the setup, I think it will be good if there is a 70:30 ratio in coaching panel. If they are with the team for two years, then they will have the experience and then why not? Someone from Bangladesh has to become the head coach at some point,” he said, adding that he feels Sohel Islam has developed the most in recent time.

“(Sohel Islam) I had an opportunity to work with him. What I can say he is the most improved coach in the last 10 years, and currently the best coach in the country. 100 percent. You will see, Babul bhai and Sohel bhai have been with our cricket for the last 10-15 years. They had the opportunity to work somewhere else. But they worked with BCB. So they should be given the importance. So many players go to him, and also Babul bhai. They are doing well,” he concluded.