Bangladesh star Shakib Al Hasan retires from T20Is, says Kanpur Test will be his last if no farewell at home
Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan officially announced his retirement from T20Is on Thursday, just before his team's second Test against India at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.
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FollowBangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement from T20 Internationals on Thursday, effective immediately. He stated that if the Bangladesh Cricket Board does not arrange a farewell match against South Africa at home, the upcoming second Test against India will mark his final international appearance.
Shakib, who has played 129 T20Is for Bangladesh, is set to play his last international game in the Champions Trophy, which is expected to be held in the UAE and Pakistan. Despite his retirement from T20Is, the 37-year-old plans to continue competing in franchise leagues.
"I have played my last T20 match in T20 World Cup. We have discussed this with the selectors. Looking at the 2026 World Cup, this is the right time for me to move out. Hopefully, BCB will find some great players and we will perform well," said Shakib on the eve of the second and final Test against India in Kanpur.
Shakib, who has played 70 Tests, scoring 4,600 runs and taking 242 wickets, may potentially play his final Test match in the North Indian industrial town if the cricket board cannot guarantee his security. This concern arises after he faced accusations related to a murder, despite not being in the country at the time of the incident.
"I have expressed my desire to play my last Test in Mirpur to BCB. They agreed with me. They are trying to organise everything so that I can go to Bangladesh. If that won't happen, the match against India in Kanpur would be my last in Test cricket," Shakib added.
Shakib was named as an accused in a murder case back in Bangladesh during the political unrest that resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, under whom he served as a member of Parliament for the Awami League party. He announced his retirement while interacting with Bangladeshi media but switched to English at the request of Indian journalists.
In a surprising turn of events, Shakib was mentioned in an FIR related to a murder case stemming from civil protests in Bangladesh last August. This case involves the death of garment worker Mohammed Rubel, with his father, Rafiqul Islam, filing the complaint on August 7. The 37-year-old Shakib expressed that he may choose not to return home after the current series in India if assurances of safety cannot be provided.
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"Going back to Bangladesh is not a problem but leaving is. My close friends and family members have concerns (about my safety), I hope things are better, well and there should be is a solution to it," he said.
In January, Shakib won an uncontested election to become a member of parliament for the ruling Awami League party. However, he faced criticism for failing to advocate for the student community during protests.
During a match in Pakistan, many Bangladeshis reportedly chanted slogans against Shakib. Additionally, non-resident Bangladeshis directed insults at him during a private T20 league, with the incident captured on video and subsequently going viral on social media.
"I have 8 games to go in ODIs, and the Champions Trophy will be my last," he said.
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