Shakib Al Hasan set to end his international career in Pakistan

Former Bangladesh captain, Shakib Al Hasan, announced on Thursday that he plans to retire from international cricket by March next year, as he faces legal issues back home due to his connections with the former leader of the country.

Shakib was a member of parliament for the Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina, whose 15-year rule as prime minister ended in August with her fleeing to India following deadly protests.

The 37-year-old, along with several members of ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party, is facing murder charges related to a deadly police crackdown on protesters.

The all-rounder has not returned to Bangladesh since the student-led revolution last month that ousted Hasina's government.
Shakib said that the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan would mark his final international appearance.

However, he expressed a desire to play in a two-match Test series against South Africa at home and has approached the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to discuss his return.

Shakib Al Hasan bowled 44 overs during the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 2024.AFP

Speaking before the second Test against India in Kanpur, Shakib stated, “It’s my desire, I have said this to BCB and the selectors.”

“They agreed with me, that they are trying to organise everything if possible, so that I can go back to Bangladesh play those two Test matches [against South Africa] in Mirpur and finish my Test career there. If that doesn’t happen maybe this is my last one,” he added.

The South African tour, set to begin on October 21, is still uncertain, as the Proteas are evaluating the safety of visiting Bangladesh following the recent revolution.

Already retired from T20Is

Shakib Al Hasan celebrates Rohit Sharma's wicket during the Super Eight match in Antigua at the 2024 T20 World Cup.AFP

Shakib also confirmed that he had already retired from T20 Internationals after the T20 World Cup in June, having discussed it with selectors and the board.

“I played my last match during my last game of the World Cup. We have discussed this with selectors and board,” he said.

“This is the right time for me to move on and BCB will look into some new players," he added.

While he has retired from T20Is, Shakib left open the possibility of a return.

“If I play franchise league and do well and the BCB feels in six months or a year that I have a chance to contribute in T20s and performing, staying fit then we can decide. At this moment I don’t see myself in T20s. So, basically you can say that in two formats, I am seeing my last,” he said.

Shakib revealed that his final ODI appearances would be during the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February.

“I have eight games to go in ODI’s and the Champions Trophy will be last,” he said.

Shakib has been a key figure in Bangladesh's rise as a serious international contender, being the only player to top the International Cricket Council (ICC) all-rounder rankings in all three formats simultaneously.

He was instrumental in Bangladesh's recent historic Test series sweep in Pakistan. Since his international debut in 2006, Shakib has represented Bangladesh in 70 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is.