As Shakib Al Hasan confronts legal challenges, the former captain of the Bangladesh cricket team has announced his intention to retire from international cricket soon.
Currently facing prosecution due to his association with the country’s former leader, Shakib expressed his hope to play at least one more match in Bangladesh before officially stepping down. He is facing murder charges alongside several members of ex-premier Sheikh Hasina’s party related to a violent police crackdown on protesters.
The 37-year-old, who served briefly as a lawmaker under Hasina earlier this year, has not returned to Bangladesh since her government was overthrown last month in a student-led revolution. He stated that next year’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan would be his final international appearance.
Shakib also conveyed his desire to return home for a planned two-Test series against South Africa and has reached out to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding this possibility.
“It’s my wish, and I’ve shared this with the BCB and the selectors,” he told reporters ahead of the second Test against India in Kanpur on Friday. “They agreed and are working to facilitate my return to Bangladesh to play those two Tests in Mirpur and conclude my Test career there.”
He added, “If that doesn’t happen, this could be my last match.”
The South Africa tour, scheduled to begin on October 21, remains uncertain as the Proteas assess the safety situation in Bangladesh following last month’s upheaval.
Shakib chose not to delve into the details of the criminal proceedings against him, stating, “You all know the nature of the case and my whereabouts during that time.” He was competing in a domestic T20 league in Canada when the unrest occurred.
He hopes to return home for what he envisions as a farewell to his Test career against South Africa if the series goes ahead. “As a Bangladeshi citizen, I should not face any issues returning. My main concern is my safety and security in Bangladesh, which is also a concern for my friends and family. I hope conditions improve.”
Reflecting on his career, Shakib mentioned that he has already retired from T20 cricket following the World Cup in June. “I played my last match during that tournament. I’ve discussed my decision with the selectors and the board,” he said. “Now feels like the right time for me to step away, allowing the BCB to focus on new talent.”
He confirmed that he would participate in his final ODI matches during the Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan in February. “I have eight ODI games left, and the Champions Trophy will be my last.”
Shakib has been a key figure in Bangladesh’s rise as a competitive international team, captivating fans with both his remarkable performances and controversies. He is the only player to have simultaneously held the top position in the ICC all-rounder rankings across all three formats.
He played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s historic Test series victory in Pakistan earlier this month and went on to play county cricket for Surrey in England before heading to India. Since his international debut in 2006, Shakib has represented Bangladesh in 70 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20 matches.