Former Bangladesh captain and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has announced his retirement from T20 International (T20I) cricket after featuring in 129 matches. Additionally, Shakib revealed his intention to retire from Test cricket following Bangladesh’s home series against South Africa in Mirpur next month. His announcement comes just a day before Bangladesh's second Test against India at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.
"This is the right time to bring in new players, and it's the same vision for T20Is," Shakib shared with reporters. "I have spoken to the chief selector and the BCB president, and we all agreed that it's the right time for me to step aside and allow younger players to rise through the ranks." Shakib also expressed a strong desire to play his final Test in front of his home crowd in Mirpur. However, if that is not possible, the second Test against India may be his final appearance in the longer format. "Bangladesh cricket has given me so much, and I want to give my last in this format at home," Shakib added.
Shakib also confirmed his plans to retire from One Day Internationals (ODIs) after the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Shakib's cricketing career at a glance:
- T20Is: In 129 matches, Shakib scored 2,551 runs with a strike rate of 121.18 and took 149 wickets.
- Tests: Since his debut in 2007, Shakib has played 70 Tests, scoring 4,600 runs, including five centuries and 31 half-centuries, and taking 242 wickets. He is the only Bangladeshi bowler to surpass 200 Test wickets, with a best bowling figure of 7/36.
- ODIs: In 247 ODIs, Shakib amassed 7,570 runs, including 9 centuries and 56 half-centuries, and picked up 317 wickets, with a best bowling figure of 5/29.