Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan, who had also previously captained his national team made a surprise announcement during a press conference by stating his plans for retirement.
The 37-year-old has represented his country in close to 450 international matches since making his debut in the year 2006.
Shakib revealed that the upcoming 2nd Test against India in Kanpur might be his farewell match of his red-ball career. He had expressed his desire to play his final match at Mirpur, however, due to the ongoing tense political situation in his country, it might not be possible.
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What did Shakib Al Hasan say about his retirement from international cricket?
Shakib was speaking at a press conference ahead of the second Test match between India and Bangladesh at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, where he made a revelation about his retirement from the sport.
The allrounder believed that it was time for the incoming youngsters to take his spot in the national team, to pave way for the next generation of talented cricketers.
"This is the right time to bring in new players. It's the same vision for T20Is as well. I have spoken to the chief selector and the BCB president and we all felt that this was the right time to move on and allow new players to come up the ranks," he told reporters.
He further stated that he hopes to play his farewell Test match against South Africa in front of the home crowd at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, if he was allowed safe passage in the country.
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Why Shakib Al Hasan might not be allowed to play cricket in Bangladesh again?
The 37-year-old has been a target for protestors and opposition political parties back in his country due to his affiliations with the ousted Awami league led by former Prime Minister Sheik Hasina.
"I have expressed my desire to play my last Test in Mirpur, if that won't happen, the second Test against India would be my last. Going back to Bangladesh is not a concern, but leaving Bangladesh once I go there is dangerous."
"It feels fitting to conclude my Test career in front of my home fans. Bangladesh cricket has given me so much, and I want to give my last in this format at home," he added.
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Shakib Al Hasan on retirements from T20I and ODI formats
The Bangladesh allrounder revealed that he had already retired from the shortest format of the game, that is, T20I cricket, following the T20 World Cup 2024.
"I feel that I have already played my last T20I game during the World Cup. I had discussed my future with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and I think looking at the 2026 T20WC, it is the right time to move on for everyone. I have no regrets in taking this decision," he said.
With regards to the 50-over format, he stated that the upcoming Champions Trophy tournament next year in February 2025, will be last series in the ODI format for his country.
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