Bangladesh’s former cricket captain, Shakib Al Hasan, has announced that he will retire from international cricket after the ICC Champions Trophy, set to be held in Pakistan next year. Amidst ongoing legal battles and murder charges linked to a deadly police crackdown on protesters, Shakib shared his desire to play one last international match at home before ending his illustrious career.
At 37, Shakib has had a stellar career, representing Bangladesh in 70 Test matches, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20s since his debut in 2006. However, the cricketer’s recent involvement with Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s party, and his brief stint as a lawmaker, has brought legal challenges, with charges related to his alleged connection to the former Bangladeshi leader. Following the toppling of Hasina’s government in a student-led revolution, Shakib has stayed away from Bangladesh and is now facing prosecution alongside other members of the ex-premier’s party.
Shakib has expressed his hope to return to Bangladesh for a scheduled two-match Test series against South Africa in Mirpur before his final international tournament. Speaking ahead of Bangladesh’s second Test against India in Kanpur, Shakib said, “It’s my desire, I have said this to the BCB and the selectors. They agreed with me, and they are trying to organize everything if possible so that I can go back to Bangladesh, play those two Test matches in Mirpur, and finish my Test career there.”
However, the South Africa tour, scheduled to begin in October, remains uncertain, with the Proteas assessing the security situation in Bangladesh after the recent revolution. Shakib emphasized his concerns over safety and security, adding that his family and close friends are also worried.
Shakib’s international career has been marked by both remarkable achievements and controversies. As the only player to have topped the ICC all-rounder rankings in all three formats of the game simultaneously, Shakib has been a key player in Bangladesh’s rise as a formidable cricketing nation. His performances, along with his leadership, played an instrumental role in Bangladesh’s recent Test series sweep in Pakistan.
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Shakib confirmed that he had already called time on his T20 career after Bangladesh’s World Cup campaign in June. “I played my last T20 match during the World Cup. We have discussed this with selectors and the board, and this is the right time for me to move on.”
Shakib’s final 50-over matches will be during the Champions Trophy in February 2025, marking the end of an era for Bangladeshi cricket. “I have eight games to go in ODIs, and the Champions Trophy will be my last,” Shakib said, signaling the conclusion of his glittering international career.
While Shakib’s departure from the international stage will leave a significant void in Bangladesh cricket, it also offers an opportunity for new talent to emerge. As the cricketing world awaits the conclusion of Shakib’s career, fans will no doubt celebrate the contributions of one of the most influential figures in Bangladesh’s cricketing history, both for his brilliance on the field and the controversies that have often surrounded him.
