Bangladesh’s legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has announced his retirement from international cricket, stating he will hang up his boots in March 2025 after 18 years of representing his nation, Al Jazeera reports.
The announcement comes amidst ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh and accusations of involvement in a deadly police crackdown.
Shakib, facing murder charges along with other members of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party, has been living abroad since the government’s toppling in August. Despite the charges, he expressed his desire to play one last Test series at home in Dhaka, ending his career in Bangladesh.
“I have told the BCB [Bangladesh Cricket Board] and the selectors that I want to play those two Test matches in Mirpur and finish my Test career there,” Shakib told reporters ahead of the second India-Bangladesh Test. “They agreed with me and are trying to organize everything if possible.”
The planned South Africa tour starting on October 21 remains uncertain as the Proteas are assessing the safety situation in Bangladesh following the recent revolution.
The veteran all-rounder, considered one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, stated that the ICC Champion’s Trophy in Pakistan next year would be his last international outing. He had already retired from T20 cricket after the World Cup in June.
Shakib, who boasts over 700 wickets and nearly 15,000 runs in international cricket, has been a driving force behind Bangladesh’s rise to international prominence. He is the only player to have simultaneously topped the ICC all-rounder rankings in all three formats.
His international career, which began in 2006, has spanned 70 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20 international matches.
