Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has officially announced that he will retire from Test cricket at the end of this year. The 37-year-old cricketer confirmed that his final appearance in whites will be during the upcoming Test match against South Africa at Mirpur.
Shakib’s Statement on Retirement
In a statement reported by journalist Abhishek Tripathi, Shakib said, “The Test match against South Africa at Mirpur will be my last in this format.” This announcement comes as he reflects on his illustrious career, during which he has been a pivotal figure in Bangladesh cricket.
Shakib also revealed that he has already played his last T20 International during the recent T20 World Cup against Afghanistan. Unfortunately, this match was not the farewell he had hoped for, as he registered a golden duck and witnessed his team suffer a disappointing defeat.
An Illustrious Career
Shakib had a rather spectacular career for Bangladesh across all formats and emerged as one of the best in his nation. He represented the Bangla Tigers in 70 Tests, scoring 4600 runs at an average of 38.33, while also picking up 242 wickets, with a best of 7/36 in an innings.
He has also been a pivotal member of the team in the limited overs format, representing the team in 247 ODIs as well as 129 T20Is. He has scored the most runs for the Bangla tigers in the shortest format of the game, with 2551 runs to his name, with a best of 84 runs. With 149 wickets to his name, he is also Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals.
Concerns About Travel and Political Unrest
Shakib expressed concerns regarding the current situation in Bangladesh and its impact on his ability to travel and play cricket. He noted, “If due to current circumstances I am unable to play in Bangladesh, then my last Test will be against India at Green Park.”
He further mentioned, “As a Bangladeshi citizen, there is no problem going there [to India], but my concern is whether I can get out once I reach there.” His comments reflect apprehension about the conditions back home and their implications for international travel.
This apprehension is heightened by the recent political turmoil in Bangladesh, where Shakib has been named among 147 individuals accused in connection with an alleged murder that took place during protests in August, which left hundreds dead. The case was filed by Rafiqul Islam after his son Rubel was killed during these protests. Shakib was not present in Bangladesh during the protests but is facing serious allegations nonetheless.
While Shakib is stepping away from Tests and T20Is, he confirmed that he will continue to play One Day Internationals (ODIs) until the Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025. He stated that he will reassess his retirement plans in ODIs after this tournament. “I will decide on my retirement plans in the ODI format post that,” he mentioned, indicating a thoughtful approach to his future in cricket.
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Selectors’ Perspective on Shakib’s Retirement
Earlier, Bangladesh selector and former spinner Abdur Razzak commented on Shakib’s potential retirement, emphasizing that it ultimately remains Shakib’s decision. “Someone is waiting to take his place… but I would say that it is Shakib’s call,” Razzak stated. He acknowledged Shakib’s significant contributions over the past 15 years, noting that he cannot simply be dismissed as no longer good enough to play.
Razzak added, “Whenever he feels he has played enough, we will welcome him,” highlighting the respect and admiration for Shakib within the Bangladesh cricket community.
Shakib’s retirement will undoubtedly leave a significant void in the Bangladesh team. Razzak pointed out that players of Shakib’s caliber cannot be replaced instantly. “You can’t get players like them instantly… It took Shakib 20 years to reach his place,” he explained, indicating the long-term impact of losing such experienced players.
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