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Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has reversed his retirement from Tests and T20Is, confirming that he is “officially not retired from any format” and intends to play one final all-format home series before ending his international career.
Speaking on the Beard Before Wicket podcast alongside Moeen Ali, the former Bangladesh captain said he wants to return to the country, feature in a full series comprising ODIs, Tests and T20Is, and retire immediately after.
“My plan is to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series of ODI, Test, and T20, and retire,” Shakib said.
“It can start from T20I, ODI and Test, or Test, ODI, T20I. Either way, I’m fine, but I want to play a whole series and retire.”
Shakib has not played for Bangladesh since October 2024, when he featured in the second Test against India in Kanpur.
His long absence has been tied to political unrest in Bangladesh, where the Awami League, the party he represented as an MP, was ousted from power in August.
After the regime change, Shakib remained outside the country while continuing to feature in away Tests in Pakistan and India.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his return, Shakib appeared optimistic.
“I am hopeful,” he said when asked about returning home. “That’s why I’m playing T20 leagues. I think it will happen.”
The all-rounder, widely regarded as Bangladesh’s greatest cricketer, said he wants his farewell to be about gratitude rather than performance pressure.
“It doesn’t matter if I play well or not. I don’t need to continue after that,” he stated.
“It’s just a nicer way to say bye to the fans who supported me always, to give something back by playing a home series.”
Shakib Al Hasan had previously announced a step back from T20Is and said he wished to play his final Test during the home series against South Africa last October.
However, protests around the Shere Bangla National Stadium and security concerns led the BCB, under the interim government, to omit him from the squad.
When asked about his long-term plans, Shakib hinted that his political career may continue once cricket ends.
“[I have] done my cricketing part. Maybe the political side is left. It’s something I want to do for the people of Bangladesh and Magura. That was my intention, and it still is.”
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