Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has announced his retirement from T20 Internationals (T20I). This marks the end of an era for one of the greatest cricketers Bangladesh has ever produced. Shakib’s decision comes just before Bangladesh’s second Test against India at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.
Shakib’s achievements in T20I
Shakib Al Hasan has been a mainstay in Bangladesh’s T20I team since his debut. Having appeared in every edition of the T20 World Cup since 2007, he has consistently demonstrated his all-around capabilities. Most notably, Shakib concluded the 2024 T20 World Cup as the tournament’s all-time leading wicket-taker, amassing an impressive 50 wickets over the course of his career.
Shakib’s cricketing journey is not limited to T20Is. His influence spans across Test and ODI cricket as well. In Test cricket, Shakib has been Bangladesh’s go-to player for years. He has not only provided the team with stability but also played a vital role in some of their most significant victories.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Shakib’s statistics speak volumes. He remains one of only two cricketers to have scored over 7000 runs and taken more than 300 wickets. His double of 14,000 runs and 700 wickets across formats is a feat that places him among the legends of the game.
Why Shakib chose to retire from T20I?
Shakib is prioritizing his future in Test and ODI cricket. His body, after years of intense cricket, may not be able to withstand the rigors of multiple formats. By retiring from T20Is, Shakib can focus on making the most of his remaining years in cricket, particularly in Tests and ODIs. He also recognizes that his time as a leader in the T20 format has come full circle. Having led Bangladesh to multiple World Cup campaigns, he feels that it is time to make way for the next generation of cricketers.
Despite retiring from T20Is, Shakib’s love for Test cricket remains strong. He has expressed a desire to play his final Test match in Mirpur during Bangladesh’s upcoming series against South Africa, scheduled for October 2024. However, if political or security concerns prevent him from doing so, Shakib has stated that the second Test against India in Kanpur might be his final appearance in whites.
Political context in Bangladesh
Shakib’s retirement announcement comes amid political turbulence in Bangladesh. A member of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League Party, Shakib has faced criticism for his silence during the regime’s upheaval. After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August, Shakib found himself embroiled in political controversy, with the opposition questioning his absence during key moments in Bangladesh’s history.
“Going back to Bangladesh is not a concern, but leaving Bangladesh once I go there is dangerous,” Shakib told reporters on Thursday.
Challenges for Bangladesh
As Shakib steps away from T20I cricket, the challenge for Bangladesh will be to find players capable of filling his shoes. Emerging all-rounders will need to step up to maintain the balance that Shakib provided for so many years. Players like Mehidy Hasan and Afif Hossain will have to take on more responsibility as the team transitions into a new era.
In addition to his T20I retirement, Shakib has also announced that he will retire from ODIs after the 2025 Champions Trophy. His contributions to Bangladesh’s ODI success, especially in major tournaments, will be remembered for years to come.
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