Shakib Al Hasan, on Thursday, September 26, 2024, announced his immediate retirement from T20I cricket. He also stated that if the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) doesn't give him a farewell match at home, the second Test against India in Kanpur will be his last.
The experienced cricketer announced his decision to the media in Kanpur, ahead of Bangladesh's second Test against India at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur.
Shakib, regarded as one of the best all-rounders in international cricket, declared his intention to leave the Test arena on home soil. The two-match Test series against South Africa, set for mid-October, will be his final in whites.
"I have expressed my desire to play my last Test in Mirpur to BCB. I have told this to BCB, they agreed with me. They are trying to organise everything so that I can go to Bangladesh. If that won't happen, the match against India in Kanpur would be my last in Test cricket," said Shakib on the eve of the second and final Test against India.
“It feels fitting to conclude my Test career in front of my home fans. Bangladesh cricket has given me so much, and I want to give my last in this format at home,” Shakib added.
The announcement marks the end of an illustrious Test career that began in 2007. Over 17 years, Shakib has been the backbone of Bangladesh cricket. Shakib has played 69 Tests for Bangladesh, scored 4453 runs and taking 242 wickets.
Shakib also announced his immediate resignation from Twenty20 Internationals. Shakib, who has represented Bangladesh in every T20 World Cup since 2007, retires as the tournament's all-time leading wicket-taker.
“This is the right time to bring in new players. It’s the same vision for T20Is as well. I have spoken to the chief selector and the BCB president and we all felt that this was the right time to move on and allow new players to come up the ranks,” Shakib said.
He, however, will continue to play in franchise leagues and does not rule out a return to the national fold.
“But for now, you can say that I am moving on from both the formats. In case, I perform well in the T20 leagues and the BCB feels that they need me in the team for a certain time, then we can consider. But for now, this is it,” Shakib added.
Looking ahead, Shakib added that the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy would be his final assignment in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
(PTI inputs)
