Bangladesh’s former captain, Shakib Al Hasan, facing prosecution for his ties to the country’s former leader, announced on Thursday his imminent retirement from international cricket. He expressed hope to play one more match back home before retiring, with the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year earmarked as his final international outing.
Shakib, who is embroiled in murder charges along with several members of ex-premier Sheikh Hasina’s party for their alleged roles in a deadly police crackdown on protesters, has not returned to Bangladesh since Hasina’s government was overthrown last month during a student-led revolution. The 37-year-old, who briefly served as a lawmaker under Hasina, stated his desire to return home for a scheduled two-Test series against South Africa, contingent on approval from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
“It’s my desire, I have said this to BCB and the selectors,” Shakib told reporters ahead of Friday’s second Test against India in Kanpur. “They agreed with me, that 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.” He added, “If that doesn’t happen maybe this is my last one.”
The South Africa tour, set to start on October 21, remains uncertain as the Proteas assess the safety of traveling to Bangladesh following last month’s upheaval. Shakib, when questioned about the criminal proceedings, chose not to elaborate. “You all know what type of case it is, and where I was and what I was doing at that time,” he said, referring to his involvement in a domestic Twenty20 cricket competition in Canada during the unrest that ousted Hasina.
Shakib emphasized his desire to return to Bangladesh to conclude his Test career against South Africa, should the series proceed. “I am a citizen of Bangladesh, so I shouldn’t have any problem going back to Bangladesh,” he stated. “My concern is my safety and security in Bangladesh. My close friends and family members are concerned. I hope things are getting better.”
Having already retired from T20 cricket following the World Cup in June, Shakib disclosed, “I played my last match during my last game of the World Cup. We have discussed this with selectors and board. This is the right time for me to move on and BCB will look into some new players.”
Shakib confirmed he would play his final 50-over matches at the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February. “I have eight games to go in ODIs and the Champions Trophy will be last,” he said.
Throughout his illustrious career, Shakib has been pivotal to Bangladesh’s rise in international cricket, captivating fans with his performances and controversies alike. He remains the only player to have simultaneously topped the International Cricket Council all-rounder rankings in all three formats.
Shakib’s significant contributions include playing a key role in Bangladesh’s historic Test series sweep in Pakistan earlier this month. He subsequently traveled to England to play county cricket for Surrey before heading to India. Since his international debut in 2006, Shakib has represented Bangladesh in 70 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20 matches.
Despite the current turmoil surrounding his personal and professional life, Shakib Al Hasan’s impact on cricket is undeniable. As he prepares to retire, his legacy as one of the sport’s most accomplished all-rounders remains firmly intact, leaving a lasting imprint on Bangladesh cricket.
