Shakib Al Hasan shocks Bangladesh with Test, T20I retirement in the middle of India series

Premier Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has made a massive statement ahead of the second Test against the India National Cricket Team. The left-hander has confirmed his retirement, saying that the Test against South Africa in Mirpur will be his last for the team in the longest format of the game. Also, he has confirmed his T20I retirement.

But if Shakib Al doesn't get to play in the Test against South Africa, the upcoming second Test against India National Cricket Team will be his last in the format. The game will be played at Green Park in Kanpur from Friday (27th September), and it might be the last of the all-rounder in the whites for the national team.

Speaking about his retirement ahead of the second Test against India National Cricket Team, Shakib Al Hasan said that Bangladesh Cricket has given him so much and he would be happy if he ends his career at home. Talking to PTI, he explained:

“I have expressed my desire to play my last Test in Mirpur, if that won't happen, the second Test against India would be my last. Bangladesh cricket has given me so much, and I want to give my last in this format at home."

Shakib Al Hasan has been an integral part of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team for more than the last decade. He is the biggest name in Bangladesh Cricket, and his contribution to the National team has been immense, it's fair to say his absence will leave a massive void in the team.

Shakib has made an equally great impact on the team in Test cricket with both bat and ball. The all-rounder is the third-highest run-scorer in the longest format of the game for Bangladesh. He has mustered 4,600 runs, including five centuries and 31 half-centuries.

On the bowling front, Shakib is the leading wicket-taker for Bangladesh in Test cricket. The left-hander has taken 242 wickets and is the only bowler from his nation to go past the 200-wicket mark in Tests. He has been right on the money ever since he made his debut in May 2007.

Shakib Al Hasan announces retirement from T20I

Not only from Tests, Shakib Al Hasan also called time on his career in T20I. He mentioned that he had already played his last game for Bangladesh in the shortest format, which came during the T20 World Cup 2024. He feels that it's the right time for new players to step in and take Bangladesh Cricket forward.

Shakib Al Hasan also mentioned that he will continue playing in the T20 leagues, and if Bangladesh Cricket needs him, he will be back for the team. He elaborated:

"This is the right time to bring in new players. It’s the same vision for T20Is as well. I have spoken to the chief selector and the BCB president and we all felt that this was the right time to move on and allow new players to come up the ranks,”

“But for now, you can say that I am moving on from both the formats. In case, I perform well in the T20 leagues and the BCB feels that they need me in the team for a certain time, then we can consider. But for now, this is it."

Shakib Al Hasan concluded by saying that the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy would be his final assignment in One Day Internationals (ODIs).