Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has not played for the national cricket team since October 2024, opened up about retirement discussions. Shakib said that he has not retired from international cricket and said that he will play his last match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
The left-arm spinner has been barred from representing Bangladesh in cricket amid political turmoil in the country. He is facing political charges stemming from his tenure as an Awami League MP under the former Sheikh Hasina administration. Shakib’s name was also included among 147 people in the FIR lodged in Dhaka.
Shakib Al Hasan has been a consistent star for Bangladesh across all formats
Shakib Al Hasan has been one of the best performers for Bangladesh across all formats. Ahead of the 2024 Kanpur Test against India, Shakib had indicated his intention to retire from T20Is and Tests.
The all-rounder had said that he has finished his T20 career with Bangladesh and is taking a break from Tests after the Mirpur Test against South Africa in 2023. However, political unrest in Dhaka forced Shakib to withdraw from the Kanpur Test.
Shakib has a good record on his home ground. He has scored 1,583 Test runs at an average of 43.97 and taken 76 wickets. In ODIs, he has scored 2,656 runs at an average of 37.40 and taken 131 wickets at an average of 24.19. He has scored 547 runs in T20Is at an average of 18.3 and taken 45 wickets.
I am not retired from any format- Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan clarified that he has not officially retired from international cricket. The 38-year-old expressed his desire to play the farewell match on home soil, hoping to give his fans a memorable final match in Mirpur.
“To be honest, I have not officially retired from any format,” Shakib told Cricbuzz. “I think it’s more for them (playing in Mirpur for the last time) than for me. If that happens, it will be the best thing for my fans and me.”
The former captain is living abroad. Shakib has been active in franchise cricket, having featured in leagues such as the PSL and CPL. He also represented Atlanta Fire in US Minor League Cricket. Despite domestic controversies, Shakib has found new happiness in sports.
Shakib Al Hasan may never play for Bangladesh again – Sports Advisor
Earlier this year, Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Mahmood had said that Shakib Al Hasan would no longer be allowed to represent the national team. The decision came after the all-rounder posted a message on social media wishing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a happy birthday.
Asif said Shakib would not be allowed to carry the Bangladesh flag or wear the national jersey again. He stressed that his instructions to the Bangladesh Cricket Board are final.
“We can’t let him carry the Bangladesh flag,” Asif was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “It would not be possible for me to allow him to wear the Bangladesh jersey. I may not have told the BCB earlier, but now my clear instructions to the BCB will be that Shakib Al Hasan will never be able to play for Bangladesh again.”
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