Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has announced his retirement
Bangladesh’s legendary all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, has officially announced his retirement from two major formats of international cricket: Test cricket and T20 Internationals. This announcement comes amidst ongoing matches between Bangladesh and India, marking a significant moment for the Bangladesh cricket team and its fans. Known for his prowess with both bat and ball, Shakib Al Hasan’s departure from these formats signals the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket.
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Shakib's Retirement Announcement
During a press conference before the second Test against India in Kanpur, Shakib Al Hasan confirmed that the T20 World Cup, held earlier in June this year, was his last appearance for Bangladesh in the T20 International format. He also revealed that the upcoming Test against South Africa, scheduled in Dhaka in October, will be his final Test match. If, for any reason, this match is canceled due to political tensions, the ongoing Test series against India might end up being his last.
Future Plans and Last Matches
Shakib Al Hasan also hinted at his retirement from One-Day Internationals (ODIs), announcing that he will bid farewell to this format after the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This leaves a window of two more years for fans to witness him in action on the ODI field. Despite stepping away from Tests and T20Is, his contribution to the Bangladesh team’s future in ODIs remains vital.
Political Unrest and Test Matches with South Africa
The scheduled Test series between Bangladesh and South Africa in October is currently under threat due to political unrest in Bangladesh. South Africa has yet to receive a security clearance for their team to travel. If this series is canceled, Shakib’s last Test match might take place sooner than expected during the ongoing series against India. Fans are hopeful that the South Africa series will proceed as planned, offering Shakib a proper farewell on home soil.
Shakib's Achievements and Career Stats
Shakib Al Hasan’s contributions to Bangladesh cricket are immense, both as a player and a leader. In his Test career, he has represented Bangladesh in 70 matches, scoring 4,600 runs and taking 242 wickets. In T20 Internationals, he played 129 matches, amassing 2,551 runs and claiming 149 wickets. Additionally, his presence in the ODI format has been outstanding, where he participated in 247 matches.
As one of the finest all-rounders of his era, Shakib has consistently performed in all aspects of the game, leaving a lasting legacy in Bangladesh cricket.
Controversies Surrounding Shakib Al Hasan
In recent months, Shakib Al Hasan has faced off-field controversies. Last month, reports surfaced that he had been charged with murder in Dhaka. According to local media, Shakib was implicated in the death of an employee from a garment factory, though the details of the case remain unclear.
These accusations have cast a shadow over Shakib’s retirement announcement, but his fans continue to support him through these challenging times, focusing on his cricketing achievements.
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Conclusion
Shakib Al Hasan’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious chapter in Bangladesh’s cricket history. A gifted all-rounder, Shakib’s achievements have not only brought pride to his nation but have also solidified his reputation as one of the best in the world. Although his retirement is tinged with controversy, his contributions on the field remain unquestionable. As he prepares to step away from Tests and T20s, cricket fans will still have the chance to enjoy his performances in ODIs for the next two years.
