Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has created ripples in the cricketing world with the announcement of his impending retirement from T20 Internationals (T20Is) and his plans for a grand farewell in the longest format of the game. The iconic cricketer broke the news on Thursday, September 26, just on the eve of the second Test against India in Kanpur, sending waves of surprise and nostalgia through fans and the cricket fraternity alike.
Shakib Al Hasan, whose career has been bedecked with numerous accolades, revealed that he has already played his last T20I match for Bangladesh. This final T20 appearance came during the T20 World Cup 2024 against Afghanistan in June. In a candid conversation with reporters, Shakib explained his decision to retire from T20Is and expressed his wish to bow out from Test cricket after the upcoming home series against South Africa, provided he secures a spot in the team.
“I think I have played my last T20I match. I’ve informed the BCB about my wish to end my Test career in Mirpur, and they’ve agreed in principle. They’re working on making that possible,” Shakib disclosed. He further added a clause, reflecting the ongoing legal challenges he faces, that if arrangements fail to materialize for a fitting home farewell, the Kanpur Test would serve as his final bow in whites. “If things don’t work out, then this match against India will be my last Test,” stated Shakib, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding his professional future.
The legendary all-rounder, known for his contributions with both bat and ball, lit up many arenas and has become an indispensable name in Bangladesh’s cricketing history. His inclusion in a murder case last month in Dhaka cast a shadow of doubt over his immediate playing future. Still, assurances from Shahriar Nafees, the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) cricket operations head, have provided a glimmer of hope for fans yearning to witness Shakib’s swansong on home soil.
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“There is a clear message from the Bangladesh government that no one will be harassed unfairly in the cases that have been filed. We believe the interim government has made its position very clear on Shakib. Unless there is an injury problem or a selection-related issue, I personally don’t see any reason as of now why Shakib Al Hasan should not play in Bangladesh in the home series,” Nafees commented, emphasizing governmental support in the matter.
Interestingly, the announcement came at a time when Shakib was actively participating in various cricketing leagues worldwide. He was embroiled in the Global T20 League when the chargesheet became public. Following this, he traveled to Pakistan for a series of Tests and then played a County match in the UK for Surrey before joining his national team for the ongoing two-match Test series against India.
Shakib’s performance in the recent T20 World Cup, however, left much to be desired. He managed to score a total of just 111 runs in seven innings, with his standout performance being an unbeaten 64 against the Netherlands. In six bowling innings during the tournament, he surprisingly went wicketless in four matches and took only three wickets as his side advanced to the Super Eight stage, highlighting a waning prominence in the T20I format.
The cricket community is now on tenterhooks, eager to see whether Shakib will indeed have his desired send-off in Mirpur, a venue where he has etched numerous memorable performances. His retirement marks the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket, bringing to close his illustrious tenure marked by unparalleled versatility and leadership on the field.
As the cricketing world awaits the commencement of the second Test against India on Friday, September 27, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Shakib Al Hasan. Whether he bids adieu in Kanpur or Mirpur, his departure will leave an indelible mark on the sport, immortalizing his legacy in the annals of cricket history.
