Shakib Al Hasan announces his retirement from the shortest format

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 08:43:04 GMT

Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan announced his T20I retirement on Thursday, before his team’s second Test against India at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. He has played in every edition of the T20 World Cup since 2007 and finished the 2024 edition as the tournament’s all-time leading wicket-taker.

Speaking to reporters before the second Test, Shakib Al Hasan also shared his plans for the Test and ODI formats. The 37-year-old all-rounder has not travelled to Bangladesh since the political unrest happened in the country in August as well. The veteran has also confirmed that he hopes to play his final Test for Bangladesh in Mirpur as well. However, if security concerns fall in the way, the upcoming Test against India in Kanpur will be his final Test match as well.

Shakib Al Hasan to retire from Test and ODI soon as well

“Going back to Bangladesh is not a concern, but leaving Bangladesh once I go there is dangerous,” Shakib Al Hasan told reporters in Kanpur on Thursday.

However, he also confirmed that the upcoming Champions Trophy in early 2025 will be his last ODI series for Bangladesh as well. Shakib, who made his international debut way back in 2006, is the only player to achieve the double of 14,000 runs and 700 wickets across formats as well.

"In T20Is, I felt I played my last match during the last game of the World Cup" - Shakib Al Hasan

"It's my desire (to retire). I've shared it with the BCB and the selectors," Shakib Al Hasan told media in Kanpur on the eve of the second Test against India. "They have agreed with me. They are trying to organise everything in the best possible way so that I can go back to Bangladesh and play those two Test matches, or that match in Mirpur, and finish my Test career there. And then when we play a series abroad, I can go out of the country safely. To play that (as my last) match is my desire. If that doesn't happen, then this (Kanpur Test) will be my last match."

"In T20Is, I felt I played my last match during the last game of the World Cup. We've discussed this with the selectors and the board. I've been looking at the 2026 T20 World Cup. This is the right time for me to move on and BCB will look into some new players. Hopefully, they will find some great players and we will perform well in the 2026 World Cup," he further added.