Dhaka, Sep 27 (V7N)- A few days ago, a spirited debate among fans centered on whether Mashrafe Bin Mortaza or Shakib Al Hasan would succeed Nazmul Hasan Papon as the next president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). But fate has taken a different turn—neither Mashrafe nor Shakib is in the conversation for the role. Yesterday, Shakib, the face of Bangladeshi cricket for over a decade, announced his retirement from T20 and Test cricket, with plans to step away from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) after the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. His departure marks the end of an era in Bangladesh cricket.

Shakib Al Hasan's journey from the early days of his career to becoming the world's number one all-rounder is nothing short of remarkable. He arrived in a cricketing landscape where Bangladesh struggled to find consistent performers. Before Shakib, Bangladeshi batsmen were often criticized for their inconsistency, but when Shakib was at the crease, there was a sense of stability. Fans would sit back, confident in the knowledge that Shakib would fight like a tiger.

Shakib did more than just play; he brought dreams to life. He became the number one all-rounder in the world, a feat that once seemed impossible for any Bangladeshi cricketer. From the T20 leagues of India to Australia, Pakistan to the West Indies, Shakib’s impact was global. His influence transcended borders—he was not just a cricketing hero in Bangladesh, but an ambassador for the country around the world.

Fans in distant places like Kashmir and Dominica have named their children after Shakib, a testament to the far-reaching love and admiration he commands. He showed the world that even a small, often overlooked place like Magura could produce a global icon.

Even Bangladesh's legendary writer Humayun Ahmed, who never dedicated a book to any other cricketer, wrote one for Shakib. Humayun admitted he didn’t know Shakib personally, but was captivated by his cricket. Shakib’s game had that kind of power—he was a force of nature on the field, inspiring millions.

Shakib's career wasn’t without its controversies, though most of those chapters were from his personal life. Yet, the brilliance of Shakib the cricketer remained untouched by scandal. His ability to dominate on the field overshadowed any off-field issues. His timing for retirement reflects his understanding of his own limitations—something many athletes struggle with. He once said that the day he felt like a "passenger" in cricket would be the day he steps away. That day has now come.

As Bangladesh bids farewell to one of its brightest cricketing stars, it’s clear that Shakib's influence on the sport in the country will never be forgotten. He leaves a legacy unmatched by any other Bangladeshi cricketer. Whether another player of his caliber will emerge remains to be seen.

Thank you, Shakib, for all the unforgettable moments. You showed us what was possible, and now it's time for the next chapter in your journey. But for Bangladesh cricket, your star will continue to shine long after you've left the field.

Goodbye, Shakib Al Hasan.

END/AJ