Shakib Al Hasan, the star all-rounder for Bangladesh, shockingly revealed at a press conference on Thursday that he had informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that the upcoming home Test series against South Africa in October and November will be his final Test series ever.
Shakib has not returned to the country since the Awami League government, in which he was an MP, fell. He believes that he will play the series against South Africa, which is supposed to be his final Test series, if he can return home and depart on his own terms.
“I am available for the series,” Shakib declared at the Kanpur press conference today, in advance of Bangladesh’s upcoming India tour’s second and last Test tomorrow.
Given the state of affairs in the country, it goes without saying that not everything depends on me. I’ve spoken with the BCB about this and informed them of my plans, particularly with regard to Test cricket.
“In my opinion, this series [in India] and the home Test series against South Africa will be the final series.” That’s what I was thinking, and that’s how I talked to the selectors and Faruque [Ahmed] Bhai, the BCB’s president. The Mirpur Test will be my last in Test cricket if there’s a chance I can return home. We have informed the board about these issues, and they are actively working to find the best solution that will enable me to play, ensure my safety, and prevent any issues should I need to leave the nation.
“The board is reviewing it, and I have the impression that other relevant parties have already done so. I think they would make a decision that would allow me to easily leave Test cricket and travel to the nation,” Shakib continued.
Although the dates and locations of South Africa’s two-test series against Bangladesh are still pending, we expect them to take place next month. Conversely, we expect Chattogram to host the second Test match against South Africa, while Mirpur will host the first.
Shakib has retired from Test cricket, believing it is time to move on. He has also announced that he will not be participating in the upcoming T20 cricket series.
“I hold the same beliefs in T20Is.” I want to clarify that I have spoken with selectors, the board president, and other people, even if it’s somewhat unrelated. I think it’s time for me to stop playing T20 cricket. We should welcome a few new players and provide them with opportunities in the upcoming series. However, if I perform well in a franchise league and the BCB believes that I have a chance to contribute in a Twenty20 match within the next six months or a year and that I am staying fit, then we can make a decision. I don’t see myself in the T20s right now. Thus, you could essentially state that I am witnessing my last in two ways,” he said.
He said he felt he had played his final Twenty20 international match when asked if he would play in the series against India, which begins on October 6.
“I think I have played my last match at the World Cup [against Afghanistan],” he stated.
He merely replied, “I hope so,” when asked if the Champions Trophy in 2025 would be his final appearance in the ODI format. There are nine more ODIs.
