Kolkata : Bangladeshi All Rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who served the Nation for 17 years , has revealed his retirement plans from all the 3 formats of the game.
T20I Retirement
Speaking of T20I retirement, he said that, the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 campaign was his last T20I appearance. Having represented Bangladesh in all editions of T20 World Cup since 2007, he’s the nation’s leading Wicket taker in the format.
Reflecting on his decision, he said, “The T20I chapter has been memorable, but it’s time to pass the torch to the next generation.”
Shakib also confirmed his retirement from T20Is, marking the end of his glorious career in the shortest format of the game.
Reflecting on his decision, Shakib said, “I felt my last T20I was during the final match of the World Cup. After discussions with the selectors and the board, I believe it’s the right time to step aside. I am looking ahead to the 2026 T20 World Cup, and I hope the BCB finds new talent that can lead the team to success in that tournament.”
ODI Retirement
Shakib Al Hasan revealed that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 , which is supposed to be held in Pakistan will be his last ODI tournament for Bangladesh. He remarked that he has 8 games to go in ODIs and the tournament will be his last.
“I have 8 games to go in ODIs, and the Champions Trophy will be my last.”
Test Retirement
The longest format retirement for the all rounder is a doubtful one.
He revealed his desire to play the farewell Test match at Mirpur, his home soil against South Africa, provided, there’s security clearance for him in Bangladesh.
“It’s my desire to retire. I’ve shared this with the BCB and the selectors, and they have agreed. We are trying to arrange everything so I can play those two Test matches, or at least the one in Mirpur, and finish my Test career there. If everything is sorted, I will be able to leave the country safely afterward,” Shakib stated.
Regarding the security concerns that have influenced his decision, Shakib said, “As a Bangladeshi citizen, I have no issues returning home. The problem arises after I’m back. My concern is safety and security while living in Bangladesh, and this is something my family and close friends are worried about. I hope the situation improves, and a solution is found.”
However, if not given security clearance, the 2nd Test Match against India at Kanpur starting September 27 will be his final appearance in the longest format.
“I have expressed my desire to play my last Test in Mirpur to BCB. They agreed with me. They are trying to organise everything so that I can go to Bangladesh. If that won’t happen, the match against India in Kanpur would be my last in Test cricket,” he added.
In an unexpected turn of events, Shakib was named in an FIR in a murder case related to the civil protests in Bangladesh last August.
The case pertains to the death of garment worker Mohammed Rubel, whose father, Rafiqul Islam, filed the complaint on August 7.
Shakib indicated that he may not travel back home after the current series in India, if he can’t be promised safety.
“Going back to Bangladesh is not a problem but leaving is. My close friends and family members have concerns (about my safety), I hope things are better, well and there should be is a solution to it.”
In January, Shakib had won an uncontested election to become a member of parliament for the then-ruling Awami League party. He was criticised for not speaking up for the student community during the protests.
Many Bangladeshis reportedly raised slogan against Shakib when he played in Pakistan. Even non resident Bangladeshis hurled abuses during Global T20 Canada, the video of which became viral on social media.
Therefore, going back to Bangladesh is a matter of high security alert for the Bangladeshi all rounder.
Shakib has scored 14721 runs and picked up 708 wickets in 446 International Matches across all formats and has been one of the greatest all rounders in World Cricket.
