Shakib Al Hasan, one of the greatest cricketers Bangladesh has ever produced, has announced his plans to retire from international cricket, citing both personal and political challenges. This decision comes after a career filled with remarkable achievements, but also amid a backdrop of controversy that has added complexity to his final years on the pitch. Here are the key details regarding Shakib’s retirement and the factors leading up to this moment.
Retirement Timeline
Shakib’s retirement plans are spread across different formats of the game, reflecting his gradual exit from the sport he has dominated for years:
T20 International Retirement: Shakib revealed that he has already played his final T20 International match. This took place during the 2024 T20 World Cup in June, where he led Bangladesh for the last time in this format.
Test Matches: Shakib aims to play his last Test match in October 2024, hoping to end his red-ball career on home soil in Mirpur against South Africa. If security issues prevent this, his current Test series against India may serve as his farewell match.
ODI Retirement: Shakib has stated that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be his final international appearance, concluding his One Day International (ODI) career. This tournament will mark the official end of his journey with Bangladesh cricket on the global stage.
Reasons for Retirement
Several factors have influenced Shakib’s decision to retire, most notably the pressure of captaincy and ongoing legal and political troubles.
Captaincy Pressure: Shakib has long been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s national team, but in recent years, he has expressed feeling burdened by the role of captain. In his announcement, he noted that his leadership was no longer adding value to the team, and that the pressures of captaincy were taking a toll on his performance. By stepping down from his leadership duties, Shakib hopes to focus solely on his personal game for the remainder of his career.
Political and Legal Issues: Compounding his decision to retire are serious legal challenges in Bangladesh. Shakib has been implicated in a murder case related to protests against the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This has caused significant concerns regarding his safety and freedom of movement within Bangladesh, making his return to the country uncertain. These issues have inevitably played a role in Shakib’s decision to step away from international cricket.
Career Highlights
Shakib’s retirement will mark the end of one of the most illustrious careers in the history of Bangladesh cricket. Since making his debut in 2006, Shakib has become a global cricketing icon, achieving records and accolades that have placed him among the finest all-rounders in the sport.
Exceptional Records: Shakib has scored over 14,700 runs and taken more than 700 wickets across all formats, a testament to his unique ability to contribute both with bat and ball. He remains the only player in history to have been ranked as the No. 1 all-rounder in the world across all three formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20 Internationals — simultaneously.
Pivotal Role in Bangladesh Cricket: Throughout his career, Shakib has been instrumental in elevating Bangladesh from underdogs to a formidable force in international cricket. His contributions in major tournaments, such as the ICC World Cup and Champions Trophy, have helped Bangladesh consistently challenge some of the top teams in the world. His leadership and performances were crucial in Bangladesh’s historic Test series win over Pakistan earlier in 2024, a highlight in his final year of international cricket.
Trophies and Recognition: Shakib’s individual brilliance has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including being named the ICC Player of the Year and consistently being ranked among the top all-rounders in the world.
Current Context and Political Challenges
Despite his immense success on the cricket field, Shakib’s career has been marred by off-field controversies. His involvement in political protests, and more recently his implication in a murder case, has complicated his situation in Bangladesh. Since the political unrest that saw the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024, Shakib has not returned to Bangladesh, citing security concerns.
The political landscape in Bangladesh remains tense, and Shakib’s association with the former regime has placed him in a precarious position. His desire to retire on home soil and play his final Test in Mirpur may be hindered by these ongoing political issues, with security remaining a major concern. If these problems persist, Shakib may have to retire in a foreign land, far from the fans who have supported him throughout his career.
Legacy of Shakib Al Hasan
As Shakib prepares to bow out of international cricket, his legacy is assured. He is widely regarded as Bangladesh’s greatest cricketer, having achieved unprecedented success on both the domestic and international stage. His ability to excel with both bat and ball has made him one of the finest all-rounders the sport has ever seen.
Shakib’s retirement will leave a significant void in the Bangladesh cricket team. He has not only been a prolific performer but also a leader, guiding younger players and helping shape the future of cricket in his country. His experience and knowledge of the game will be sorely missed by the team and fans alike.
However, his legacy will also be defined by the controversies that have surrounded him. Shakib’s career has been marked by several off-field issues, including a ban from cricket for failing to report a corrupt approach. These controversies, along with his current political and legal troubles, will inevitably be part of how he is remembered. Nonetheless, Shakib’s impact on the field far outweighs these challenges, and he will be remembered as one of the finest cricketers of his generation.
Conclusion
Shakib Al Hasan’s retirement marks the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket. As one of the most influential and accomplished cricketers in the country’s history, his departure will be deeply felt by fans and teammates. While his career has been filled with challenges, both personal and political, Shakib’s achievements on the field are undeniable. His remarkable ability to contribute in all aspects of the game has left an indelible mark on cricket, both in Bangladesh and around the world.
Shakib’s decision to retire on his own terms reflects his desire to leave the game while still performing at a high level. As he prepares to step away, his legacy as a pioneer of Bangladesh cricket and one of the greatest all-rounders in history is secure.