Shakib Al Hasan Has Announced His Return In All Format

Bangladesh cricket star Shakib Al Hasan has officially rescinded his earlier declaration of retirement from Test and T20I cricket. In an interaction with the Beard Before Wicket podcast, hosted by Moeen Ali, Shakib declared his intention to play all formats once again before hanging his boots in international cricket.

“I am officially not retired from all formats,” Shakib said, adding that he wants to return to Bangladesh, play an entire series across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, and retire in front of the home fans.

Desire to Retire After One Final Full Series

Shakib Al Hasan explains that he wants to conclude his international journey on his own terms.

His vision: to play a home series across formats, in whatever comes first, and give fans a proper send-off.

He emphasized that results will not be his primary concern. Instead, he wants to “give something back to the fans” who have supported him for almost two decades.

A Year Away from Bangladesh amid Political Turmoil

Shakib has not returned to Bangladesh since May 2024 after the Awami League government fell on August 5. Being a former Member of Parliament with the party, his name was included in an FIR about an alleged murder case, though he was abroad at that time.

Shakib Al Hasan, amidst all controversies, continued to play Test cricket in Pakistan and India, and his most recent international outing was the second Test in Kanpur.

Shakib seemed optimistic when asked about going home:

“I am hopeful. That’s why I’m playing T20 leagues. I think it will happen.”

Previous Retirement Announcements and BCB’s Response

Shakib had announced ahead of the Kanpur Test last year that he was finished with T20Is and wanted to play his last Test in Bangladesh’s home series against South Africa. However, political unrest and protests outside the Shere Bangla National Stadium then created a volatile environment.

He had later apologised for not speaking during the student-led protests, after which the BCB dropped him for the South Africa Tests, citing security reasons.

Although BCB officials later backtracked and welcomed him back, tensions escalated when Asif Mahmud, the sports adviser to the Bangladeshi government, announced Shakib would no longer be allowed to represent the country in any form after he wished former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a happy birthday on Facebook.

Shakib Al Hasan Hints at Future Political Aspirations Together with his cricketing plans, Shakib Al Hasan also hinted that his political career is far from over. Elected as an MP from Magura in January 2024, he said his intention to serve the people remains strong.

“[I have] done my cricketing part. Maybe political side is left,” he said. “It’s something I want to do for the people of Bangladesh and Magura. Let’s see where Allah takes me.”