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Bangladesh's star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has put an end to rumors of his retirement, making it clear that he has not yet stepped away from international cricket. The veteran all-rounder stated his intention to play a final match for the national team before officially hanging up his boots. He specifically expressed his desire to make this farewell appearance on his home turf at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Shakib Al Hasan busts retirement speculations
Shakib's absence from the team is reportedly linked to the political turmoil in the country, which has blocked him from playing. He is facing political allegations stemming from his time as an Awami League MP during the former Sheikh Hasina administration. His name was included among 147 individuals listed in an FIR filed in Dhaka.
This situation unfolds after Shakib, long one of Bangladesh's best performers, had previously indicated he was winding down his career in specific formats. Before the 2024 Kanpur Test against India, Shakib had signaled his intention to retire from T20Is and Tests. He had also stated that he ended his T20 career and stepped away from Test cricket following the Mirpur Test against South Africa in 2023. However, the political unrest in Dhaka forced his withdrawal from the subsequent Kanpur Test.
Shakib Al Hasan has clarified that he has not officially retired from any format of international cricket. The 38-year-old all-rounder expressed a clear desire to make a farewell appearance on home soil, specifically at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, hoping to give his fans a memorable final match.
“To be honest, I am not retired from any format officially. I think it’s more for them than it’s for me (playing in Mirpur one final time). If that happens, that’s the best thing that can happen to my fans and to me,” Shakib told Cricbuzz.
Shakib Al Hasan's stellar home ground record
Shakib's wish to end his career at Mirpur is understandable, given his impressive statistics at the venue. In Test matches, he has scored 1,583 runs at an average of 43.97 and taken 76 wickets. His record in ODIs is even more dominant: he has amassed 2,656 runs at an average of 37.40 and claimed 131 wickets at an average of 24.19. Even in T20Is, he has contributed 547 runs at an average of 18.3 and secured 45 wickets at the ground.
While facing political challenges back home, the former captain has been residing abroad and keeping himself active in franchise cricket. Shakib has featured in various leagues around the world, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). He also played for the Atlanta Fire in the U.S. Minor League Cricket.
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