Dhaka, Sep 25 (V7N) – Bangladesh's iconic all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has declared his retirement from both T20 internationals and Test cricket, just ahead of Bangladesh's second Test match against India at Kanpur's Green Park Stadium.

In a press conference on Thursday, the 37-year-old cricketer, who has been a key figure in Bangladesh cricket for over a decade, announced his decision to step away from the T20I and Test formats.

Shakib has participated in every T20 World Cup since its inception in 2007 and finished the 2024 edition as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament's history, with 50 wickets. This latest edition, however, marked his final T20I appearance.

Apart from retiring from T20Is, Shakib also shared his intention to retire from Test cricket. He expressed his desire to play his last Test match at home in Mirpur. However, due to ongoing security issues, if he cannot return to Bangladesh, the second Test against India in Kanpur may serve as his final Test match. "I've hoped to end my Test career in Mirpur, but if not possible, my final appearance will be in Kanpur," Shakib confirmed.

Since the political upheaval following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August, Shakib has not returned to Bangladesh. As a known Awami League Party member, he has been criticized for his absence during these tumultuous times. Moreover, Shakib is among 147 individuals facing charges in a murder case in Dhaka, complicating his return to the country.

Despite these challenges, Shakib remains focused on concluding his international career on his own terms. He also confirmed that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be his final One Day International (ODI) tournament for Bangladesh.

Shakib, who made his debut in international cricket in 2006, has earned his place among the sport's greatest all-rounders. He is the only cricketer to have amassed over 14,000 runs and taken 700 wickets across all formats. In T20Is, Shakib ranks as the third-highest wicket-taker with 149 wickets, while in ODIs, he is one of only two players to surpass 7,000 runs and 300 wickets.

Reflecting on his Test career, Shakib expressed his wish to bid farewell to the longest format in front of his home crowd. "Bangladesh cricket has given me so much, and I want to give everything in my final game, hopefully, before my home fans," Shakib said.

Shakib's Test journey started against India in May 2007 in Chattogram. Throughout his 70 Test appearances, he has scored 4,600 runs, including five centuries and 31 half-centuries, making him Bangladesh's third-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. As his illustrious Test career draws to a close, Shakib leaves behind a remarkable legacy as one of Bangladesh's greatest-ever cricketers.

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