Is Shakib retiring or taking a break from T20Is?

The second Test between Bangladesh and India is set to begin on Friday, and the day before, representatives from both teams will address the media. Representing Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan attended the press conference. Initially, the journalists were focused solely on the upcoming Test and Shakib's current form. However, it didn't take long for the tone and direction of the press conference to shift as Shakib announced his retirement from both Test and T20I cricket.

Shakib is the biggest star in Bangladesh's cricket history, and his stature in world cricket is also significant. On such a momentous occasion, any journalist might lose interest in asking questions solely about the upcoming match. The same thing happened during Shakib's press conference. All the questions revolved around Shakib — why he was retiring and how he assessed his career, with the experienced all-rounder answering most of them.

While Shakib became breaking news, his statements also left some ambiguity. Did Shakib announce his retirement from T20Is, or was he merely taking a break? This question arose because of the way the former national team captain phrased his comments. Regarding his retirement from Tests, Shakib clearly stated that he would play his last Test against South Africa on home soil. However, he did not say anything definitive about retiring from T20Is.

Let's take a closer look at Shakib's remarks. He said, "I feel like I've already played my last T20I match in the World Cup." Hearing this, anyone would assume it's an announcement of a retirement. But Shakib also added, "I will continue playing franchise leagues, and if, after six months or a year, the BCB feels I have something to contribute to T20Is, and I'm performing well and fit, then we can decide. But at this moment, I don't see myself in T20Is."

When discussing whether he played his last T20I match, Shakib used the phrase "I feel like," which doesn't provide a clear message. Unlike his announcement about retiring from Tests, he didn't give a specific timeframe for stepping away from T20Is. He also mentioned the phrase "at this moment." Although he doesn't currently want to play T20s, he hasn't completely lost interest in the format. Shakib's comments suggest he's mainly taking time to reassess himself and prove his worth again. By continuing to play in franchise leagues, he seems to be keeping the door open for a potential return to the national team.

After the change of government, Shakib, who was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Awami League, has faced criticism due to his political affiliations. His name has appeared in a murder case, and the BCB has received a legal notice asking them to remove him from the team and bring him back to the country. After playing in the T20 World Cup last June, Shakib left for the United States within two days. Since then, he has been playing for Bangladesh from abroad while also participating in franchise leagues. The Bangladesh all-rounder hasn't returned home since June. Discussions regarding his return to play in the country have included his request for security assurances.

Shakib is clearly uncomfortable with his situation off the field, but his main concerns lie on the field. Shakib has been struggling with his form for some time. In three innings against Pakistan, he scored just 38 runs and took five wickets. In the first Test against India, Shakib made 57 runs but went wicketless despite bowling 21 overs. After such performances, questions have even been raised about his place in the playing XI for the second Test.