Shakib aims for full home series before retirement

Shakib Al Hasan last wore Bangladesh colours in a Test series in India. He retired from T20 internationals last year but had initially planned to retire from red-ball cricket after the home series against South Africa. Political developments prevented his return home, but the left-handed all-rounder does not want to retire without playing a full series in Bangladesh.

Currently, Shakib is in the United Arab Emirates playing in the IL T20 league. Yesterday (Sunday), although he did not shine on debut, his team MI Emirates secured victory. On the same day, speaking on the Bearded Before Wicket podcast with Moeen Ali, the former Bangladesh captain revealed, “I have not officially retired from all formats. This is the first time I am saying it. My plan is to return to Bangladesh, play a complete series in ODI, Test and T20 formats, and then retire.”

He added, “I want to clarify that I will retire from all formats after playing one series. It could start from T20 to ODI and Test, or Test, ODI and T20. Either way, that’s fine. But I want to play a full series and then retire. That’s my plan.”

Shakib has not returned home since May 2024. After the fall of the Awami League government, a murder case was filed against him. Although he was not in the country during the July uprising, he played Tests in Pakistan and India. The second Test against India in Kanpur marked his last international match.

When asked if he will return to Bangladesh, Shakib said, “I am hopeful. That’s why I am playing in the T20 league. I believe I will be able to return.” Wishing to repay fans’ love, he said, “I believe when a player says something, they try to stick to it. Suddenly changing it is not right. Whether I play well or not, if I want to play, I might have a bad series, but I don’t need that.”

He added, “I feel this is enough. Fans have always supported me, and a home series is a beautiful way to bid farewell and give something back to them.”

Shakib was elected MP of Magura in January 2024. He has not ended his political career yet, saying, “My cricket career is nearing its end, but my political career remains. I want to do it for Bangladesh and the people of Magura. This is my wish, which still exists. Let’s see where Allah takes me.”

Khaborwala/SS