Shakib al Hasan Declares: ‘I’m Not Retired from Any Format’
Former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib al Hasan has made headlines by retracting his retirement from Test and T20I formats, signaling his desire to compete in all three formats before concluding his international career. This decision comes after his initial retirement announcement in September 2024 and a prolonged absence from the national team due to security issues following the fall of the Awami League government. Shakib, who has been active in franchise leagues, aims to return to the Bangladesh squad and play a full series before officially retiring.
Shakib’s Intentions for a Grand Return
In a recent podcast appearance, Shakib al Hasan expressed his hopes of returning to Bangladesh cricket. He stated that his current participation in franchise leagues is a strategic move to maintain his fitness and form. “I am hopeful to return to Bangladesh, and that’s why I am playing,” he shared. Shakib revealed that he is not officially retired from any format, a fact he disclosed for the first time during the podcast. His plan involves playing a complete series across ODI, Test, and T20 formats before hanging up his boots. He emphasized that he wants to retire after a full series, regardless of his performance in those matches. This approach, he believes, would allow him to give back to the fans who have supported him throughout his career.
Recent Challenges and Franchise Cricket
Shakib has faced several challenges in recent years, including a ban from representing Bangladesh announced by the sports adviser Asif Mahmud after he extended birthday wishes to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. His last Test appearances were against Pakistan and India in 2024. Additionally, during his stint with Surrey, he encountered issues with his bowling action, leading to a suspension. Shakib admitted to intentionally bowling with an illegal action due to fatigue from excessive overs. He explained that he had bowled over 70 overs in a single match, which was unprecedented in his career. Despite these setbacks, he remains committed to returning to the national team and has been actively participating in franchise cricket to stay in shape.
Future Aspirations and Legacy
As Shakib al Hasan looks ahead, he is determined to leave the game on his own terms. He reiterated his commitment to play a full series before retiring, stating that it is essential for him to honor his fans and the sport. “It’s just a nicer way to say bye to the fans that they supported me always,” he remarked. Shakib’s journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, but his desire to conclude his career with a memorable farewell series reflects his dedication to cricket and his supporters. As he continues to navigate the complexities of his career, Shakib remains focused on his goal of returning to the international stage and making a lasting impact on Bangladesh cricket.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
