Shakib Al Hasan announces international retirement

Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has announced to retire from Test cricket in October after the Dhaka Test against South Africa.

The 37-year-old all-rounder made the announcement while talking to the media ahead of the Kanpur Test against India.

Shakib also bid farewell to the T20I cricket with immediate effect, revealing that he had played his final game in the format during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

It’s worth noting that the Test series against South Africa is not officially confirmed as of now, owing to the security clearance from Cricket South Africa (CSA) considering the political unrest in Bangladesh.

“I am available for the South Africa series but since there’s a lot happening back home, naturally not everything depends on me,” Shakib said.

“I have discussed my plans about Test cricket with the BCB. Especially this series and the home series. I was thinking that it could be my last Test series.”

Shakib Al Hasan also expressed his desire to play his last Test in Mirpur.

“I have told [BCB president] Faruque [Ahmed] bhai and the selectors. If there’s a chance and if I can play, my last Test will be in Mirpur,” he added.

The star all-rounder also shared that the decision to step away from the game is not an emotional one, he rather thinks that it is the right time to move on to the next chapter of his life.

“I am not hurt or disappointed. I think it is the right time to move on and create a place for the new players,” Shakib said.

“It is the best chance to take a look at new players. It will be a good move to build the team towards the 2026 T20 World Cup. We have taken this as a collective decision.

“I am happy with the decision. I don’t have any regrets in my life. I have enjoyed my cricket career. I think it is the right time for me and Bangladesh cricket.”

READ: Pakistan head coach opens up on Sarfaraz Ahmed’s future