Bangladesh's ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has announced his retirement from T20 international cricket and hinted at potential retirements from Test and ODI formats during a press conference on the eve of the first Test against India in Kanpur on Thursday.
Regarding his T20i retirement, Shakib said, "I think I played my last T20 match in the World Cup. I have spoken with everyone on the board, the selectors and the president. It's time for new players to step in for the next series and they should be given opportunities."
He added, "I believe newcomers deserve a chance. This is the best opportunity to test them. If Bangladesh cricket is looking towards 2026, it will be beneficial for the team. We have all made this decision together and everyone is in agreement."
Shakib also mentioned that while he will continue playing in franchise leagues, there might be a future possibility of returning to the national T20 side. "After six months or a year, if the BCB feels I can still contribute in T20, if I am performing well and fit, we can reconsider. But right now, I don't see myself playing T20s," he explained.
Shakib, 37, who sustained a finger injury in the previous Test, was uncertain to play the upcoming Test in Kanpur. However, he confirmed that he would be playing. When asked about his future in Test cricket, Shakib said, "I want the series against South Africa to be my last. You could almost say I am nearing the end in two editions."
In a controversial twist, Shakib, who was recently a Member of Parliament, has found himself embroiled in legal and political issues. His name appeared as number 28 on a list of 156 accused in the murder case of garment worker Rubel. Additionally, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) recently found his involvement in share market manipulation amounting to Tk 50 lakh. These matters may pose challenges for him when returning to Bangladesh to play against South Africa. But, Shakib remains hopeful that he can retire from Test cricket on home soil.
"So far I am available. But given the situation in the country, not everything is within my control. I have discussed my plans with the BCB. I have informed them that I intend for this series and the home series to be my last in Test cricket. I spoke with Faruque Ahmed (BCB President) and the selectors about this. If possible, I would like the Mirpur Test to be my final one," Shakib said.
He further explained, "I want to go and play if there are no concerns for my safety. If I need to leave the country, there shouldn't be any issues. The board is aware of the situation and those involved are working on it. Once they give me a decision, I will know whether I can return and conclude my Test career in a fitting way."
When asked about his plans for ODI cricket, Shakib confirmed that he would continue playing until next year's Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Shakib also addressed whether his decision to retire was driven by personal agony or political pressure. Denying these, he said, "I believe this is the right time to retire and create opportunities for newcomers."
The cricket genius began his international career on August 6 in 2006, in an ODI. He has since played 247 ODIs to amass 7,570 runs, with nine centuries and 56 fifties and claim 317 wickets. In T20 internationals, he played 129 matches, scoring 2,551 runs and taking 149 wickets. Since his Test debut on May 18 in 2007, Shakib has played 70 Tests, scoring 4,600 runs with five centuries and 31 fifties, alongside taking 242 wickets.
