Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has announced his retirement from both Test cricket and T20 Internationals.
The announcement was made on September 26, 2024, during a press conference in Kanpur, where he addressed the media ahead of Bangladesh’s second Test match against India.
Retirement from Test Cricket
Shakib Al Hasan revealed that the upcoming Test series against South Africa will mark the end of his illustrious Test career.
He expressed a deep desire to conclude his journey in the longest format of the game on home soil, stating, “It feels fitting to conclude my Test career in front of my home fans”.
The two-match series is scheduled to take place in mid-October, and Shakib hopes to play his final match at Mirpur if security arrangements allow. If not, the ongoing Test against India could serve as his last appearance in whites.
Over his 17-year Test career, which began in 2007, Shakib has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh cricket, accumulating over 4,500 runs and taking more than 230 wickets.
His contributions have established him as one of the finest all-rounders in the history of the sport.
Immediate Retirement from T20 Internationals
In a double blow to fans, Shakib also announced his immediate retirement from T20 Internationals. He has been a pivotal figure, participating in every T20 World Cup since 2007 and retiring as the tournament’s all-time highest wicket-taker.
“The T20I chapter has been memorable, but it’s time to pass the torch to the next generation,” Shakib remarked.
Shakib’s last appearance in T20 cricket was during the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, where he showcased his prowess with both bat and ball.
His decision to retire from T20s comes as he looks forward to transitioning younger players into the national setup.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Shakib confirmed that he intends to participate in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which will be his final assignment in ODIs.
He stated that discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are ongoing regarding his farewell match for Test cricket and his future involvement with the national team.
