Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s iconic cricketer, has declared his retirement from T20 and Test internationals.
He will play his last Test match against South Africa the following month. Ahead of the forthcoming Test series against India in Kanpur, the renowned all-rounder gave confirmation of his choice in a media interview. Shakib declared that, subject to approval from Cricket South Africa (CSA), the October 2024 Dhaka Test will be his last Test match.
According to Shakib Al Hasan, his final Test match will be against South Africa in Dhaka in October. Speaking to the media prior to the Kanpur Test match against India, he added that his only remaining T20 assignment for Bangladesh was the 2024 T20 World Cup in June, which means that he will only play in ODIs moving forward.
Cricket South Africa has not yet granted the security clearance following site inspections earlier this week, therefore the series against South Africa is still tentative. That comes after the turmoil that occurred in Bangladesh in July and August, during which hundreds of people lost their lives. The protesters were aimed at Shakib, a parliamentarian for the Awami League-led administration. Since the Awami League-led administration fell on August 5, Shakib has been absent from the nation due to difficulties.
“I am available for the South Africa series but since there’s a lot happening back home, naturally not everything depends on me,” Shakib added. “I have spoken with the BCB about my plans for playing Test cricket. particularly the home series and this one. It occurred to me that this might be my final Test series.
“I have informed the selectors and Faruque [Ahmed], bhai, the president of the BCB. My final Test match, if I’m able to play, will be in Mirpur. The board wants to make sure I can play and feel comfortable while also being able to exit the nation without any problems.”
“I am a citizen of Bangladesh, so I shouldn’t have any problem going back to Bangladesh,” he stated. “My security and safety in Bangladesh are my main concerns. Family members and close acquaintances are worried. I’m hoping that things are improving. That ought to have an answer.”
This Test in Kanpur, which begins on Friday, will be his last if the South Africa series does not go; nevertheless, the South Africa Tests are anticipated to proceed.
Shakib claimed that he had had a terrible few weeks, especially after a murder case was brought against him. “It has been tough for me. Only Allah knows how I am focused on the game. Even I don’t know. There is a case against me. Everyone has the rights. You all know what type of case it is or where I was and what I was doing at that time. I don’t want to talk much about it.”
Shakib nevertheless remarked that the choice to abandon Tests and T20Is wasn’t an emotional one. He claimed to have spoken about the issue recently with the selection committee headed by Gazi Ashraf Hossain and BCB president Faruque Ahmed. He claimed that leaving the two forms now, at the age of 37, is the appropriate decision.
“I don’t feel offended or let down. I believe it’s time to let go and make room for the new participants. I’ve also let the board president and selectors know that I should stop playing T20Is. I believe I played my final Twenty20 match at the World Cup [in June]. In the forthcoming T20 series [against India and the West Indies], when there will be possibilities for fresh players, I will not be participating.
“This is the ideal opportunity to check out new players. Building the team for the 2026 T20 World Cup will be a wise move. We have decided to proceed as a group.
“I’m pleased with the choice. I have never regretted anything in my life. My career in cricket has been enjoyable. I believe that now is my moment and Bangladesh cricket’s moment. The selectors and board president agree that the timing is ideal.
In both forms, Shakib leaves a rich legacy. In Twenty20 Internationals, he is the only player to have amassed over 2,500 runs and claimed over 100 wickets. He is the third-highest wicket-taker in the format at the time of his retirement.
For Bangladesh, Shakib’s Test results have been priceless. Up to Kanpur, he had amassed 4,600 runs and 242 wickets in 70 Test matches. He currently has 4,500 runs and 240 wickets, tied with Ian Botham, Daniel Vettori, Jacques Kallis, and Kapil Dev among the other four cricketers.
He captained Bangladesh in both forms and was the top all-rounder for several seasons in both. Shakib is going to keep participating in T20 franchise competitions.