Shakib to retire from Tests, T20Is

Bangladesh's legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has announced his retirement from both T20 internationals and Test cricket, just a day before Bangladesh's second Test against India at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.

Shakib Al Hasan, who has been a mainstay of Bangladesh's cricket team for over a decade, revealed his decision to retire from the T20I and Test formats in a press conference on Thursday.

Regarding his decision to step away from T20s, Shakib said, "I feel like I've already played my last T20 match in the World Cup." While he currently doesn't want to play T20 cricket, he expressed his willingness to return to the format if the team needs him. Shakib mentioned, "I continue playing franchise leagues, and if, after six months or a year, the BCB feels I have something to contribute to T20s, and I'm performing well and fit, then we can decide. But at this moment, I don't see myself in T20s."

The 37-year-old has played in every edition of the T20 World Cup since 2007 and concluded the 2024 edition as the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 50 wickets. However, this tournament marked his final appearance in the format.

In addition to stepping away from T20Is, Shakib also outlined his plan to retire from Test cricket. He hopes to play his final Test match on home soil in Mirpur, but if security concerns prevent him from returning to Bangladesh, the second Test against India in Kanpur could be his last appearance in the longest format. "I have expressed my desire to play my final Test in Mirpur, but if that's not possible, the second Test against India will be my last," Shakib stated.

Highlighting the importance of giving younger players opportunities, Shakib said, "I don't think there's any reason for me to play these series. I believe this is the best time to give chances to new players. If Bangladesh cricket looks toward 2026, then this is what's best for the team. We've all agreed on this decision together."

Shakib has not returned to Bangladesh since the political upheaval following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime in August. As a known member of Hasina's Awami League Party, Shakib has faced criticism for his absence during this period of political turmoil. He is also one of 147 individuals charged in a murder case in Dhaka last month, complicating his return.

Despite these challenges, Shakib remains focused on finishing his international career on his terms. In addition to his retirement from T20Is and Tests, Shakib also confirmed that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be his final ODI assignment for Bangladesh.

Shakib also emphasized that his decision wasn't driven by bitterness or frustration, but rather because he feels it's the right time to step aside, saying, "It's not out of any pain or resentment. I believe this is the best time to look forward and give the younger players a chance." In response to this question, he officially announced his decision to move on from T20s as well, adding, "Even though it's not directly related to this, I want to say that I've spoken about T20s as well. I've had discussions with everyone at the board, the selectors, and the president. I am moving on from T20s. For now, let the upcoming series be an opportunity for new players."

Shakib Al Hasan also discussed his retirement plans with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruk Ahmed and the selectors. He informed them about his retirement intentions in detail. Shakib said, "This is how I spoke with Faruk bhai and the selectors. If the opportunity arises, and I can return to the country and play, then the Mirpur Test will be my final match. I've conveyed this to everyone at the board, and they are trying to arrange it in the best possible way."

Shakib, who made his international debut in 2006, has established himself as one of cricket's greatest all-rounders. He is the only player to accumulate over 14,000 runs and 700 wickets across all formats. In T20Is, he is the third-highest wicket-taker with 149 wickets, and in ODIs, he remains one of only two players to have scored more than 7,000 runs and taken over 300 wickets.

Reflecting on his Test career, Shakib revealed his desire to bid farewell to the longest format in front of his home crowd. "Bangladesh cricket has given me so much, and I want to give everything in my final game, preferably in front of my home fans," Shakib said.

Shakib's Test journey began against India in May 2007 in Chattogram. Over his 70 Test matches, he has scored 4,600 runs, including five centuries and 31 half-centuries, making him Bangladesh's third-highest run-scorer in Test history. As his illustrious Test career nears its end, Shakib leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest cricketers in Bangladesh's history.

When asked to assess his career, Shakib reflected, "I think I've done reasonably well, and I'm happy with it. I have no regrets. I've never had regrets in life, and I don't have any now. As long as I've enjoyed it, I've played cricket. I felt this is the right time for Bangladesh cricket and for me, and that's why these decisions were made. The decisions were taken after discussions with the coach, captain, selectors, and the board."