Shakib Al Hasan has announced his retirement from T20 internationals and hinted that the upcoming Test in Kanpur against India might mark the end of his illustrious Test career as well. The veteran all-rounder from Bangladesh made the revelation during a press conference ahead of the second Test between India and Bangladesh.
The 36-year-old star disclosed his desire to play his final Test in front of his home crowd in Mirpur. However, if that doesn’t materialize, the Kanpur Test will likely be his last appearance in the longest format. “I have expressed my wish to play my last Test in Mirpur. If that doesn’t happen, the second Test against India will be my farewell,” Shakib told reporters, as quoted by PTI. He added, “Bangladesh cricket has given me so much, and I want to conclude my journey in this format at home.”
Interestingly, Shakib's Test debut also took place against India. His first red-ball game for Bangladesh was in Chattogram back in May 2007. Over the years, Shakib has etched his name in the history of Bangladesh cricket, amassing 4,600 runs in 70 Tests. This includes five centuries and 31 half-centuries, placing him as the third-highest run-scorer for Bangladesh in the format, a standing he is likely to retain when he eventually steps down from Test cricket.
On the bowling side, Shakib has proven irreplaceable, emerging as Bangladesh's leading wicket-taker in Test history with 242 scalps to his name. He remains the only bowler from his country to surpass the 200-wicket milestone in Test cricket, underscoring his exceptional contributions to the team as one of Bangladesh’s finest all-rounders.
T20I Retirement Confirmed of Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib had hinted at his T20I retirement during the T20 World Cup, and in the recent press conference, he confirmed that decision. Over the course of his T20I career, Shakib played 129 matches, accumulating 2,551 runs with a strike rate of 121.18. Yet, it was his bowling that made the bigger impact, taking 149 wickets in 126 innings, just one shy of reaching the 150-wicket landmark. His best bowling figures, 5/20, highlight his dominance with the ball in the shortest format of the game.
As one of Bangladesh's most celebrated cricketers, Shakib Al Hasan's potential farewell to Test cricket and confirmed exit from T20Is marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of outstanding achievements both with bat and ball.
