Shakib announces retirement from Tests and T20Is
Amid criticism for his political career and off-form, former Bangladesh captain and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement from Tests and T20Is.
This somewhat shocking announcement came when the Bangladesh team was gearing up for the second match of the two-match Test series against the hosts, India, in Kanpur.
Despite announcing his retirement in India, Shakib will play the home series against South Africa next month.
“I am not hurt or disappointed,” Shakib said, announcing his retirement. “I think it is the right time to move on, and create a place for the new players.”
Shakib said that he has informed the board and the board president about his future in T20Is, too, where he will no longer appear in T20Is. The allrounder confirmed that his last T20I in the West Indies was his last T20I appearance, meaning he will not participate in the T20I series against India and West Indies later this year.
“It is the best chance to take a look at new players. It will be a good move to build the team towards the 2026 T20 World Cup. We have taken this as a collective decision,” Shakib added.
“I am happy. I don’t have any regrets in my life,” Shakib said further. “I have enjoyed my cricket career. I think it is the right time for me and Bangladesh cricket. The board president and selectors feel that it is the right time, too.”
Shakib did not rule out the possibility of getting back into T20Is again, but he said: “If I do well in the franchise leagues in the next months, BCB can call me up if they feel I can contribute to the T20 side. At this moment, I don’t see myself in the T20Is.”
The left-handed batter scored 4600 runs in Tests with five centuries and 31 fifties. He also bagged 242 wickets, the most by any Bangladeshi bowler, with 19 five-fors. He has 2551 runs and 149 wickets in T20Is.
Shakib is expected to return to Bangladesh ahead of the South Africa tour, but he said he and his family are concerned about his safety.
The allrounder was a parliament member under Sheik Hasina's leadership. The Hasina-government was ousted on August 5 in a mass uprising led by the students.
On August 5th, Hasina fled the country. Since then, dozens of murder cases have been filed against Awami League members, including Sheikh Hasina and Shakib.
Shakib was also fined BDT 50 lakh for his involvement in the price manipulation of a company in the stock market. He might have to pay this fine when he comes back to Dhaka.
“I am a citizen of Bangladesh, so I should not have any problem going back to Bangladesh,” Shakib said. “My concern is my safety and security in Bangladesh. My close friends and family members are concerned. I hope things are getting better. There should be a solution to it.”