Bangladesh’s All time great cricketer Shakib Al Hasan is set to retire from the Tests and modern T20 format. Shakib made the decision public during a press conference ahead of the second India-Bangladesh Test in Kanpur.
Press Remarks by Shakib
- He has “already played his final T20I”, and wishes to bid goodbye to the longer format in the home Tests against South Africa.
- However, Shakib also said he fears for his safety in Bangladesh following violence between anti-government protesters and police units that ravaged the country in the last few months.
- He also confirmed that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be his final ODI assignment for Bangladesh.
The Final Series
The upcoming series against South Africa will not only be a test of Bangladesh’s cricketing prowess but also a celebration of Shakib’s career.
Legacy Beyond Numbers
- Beyond the statistics, Shakib’s influence on Bangladesh cricket extends to his leadership, both on and off the field.
- His captaincy, although not without its controversies, brought a sense of professionalism and ambition to the team.
- His ability to perform under pressure, often turning matches single-handedly, has inspired a generation of cricketers.
- His retirement from these formats might signal the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire.
Cricketing Journey
Test Numbers
- Shakib’s Test debut, interestingly, came against India in Chattogram back in May 2007.
- He went on to play 70 Tests for Bangladesh.
- He has amassed 4,600 runs, including five centuries and 31 half-centuries, making him the third-highest run-scorer in Bangladesh’s Test history.
T20 numbers
- Shakib, who has been a constant presence in every T20 World Cup since the inaugural edition in 2007, bid farewell to the shortest format of the game.
- After featuring in 129 T20I matches, amassing 2,551 runs at a strike rate of 121.18.
- In the bowling front, he has 149 wickets to his name.