The former captain, currently facing murder charges in Bangladesh, plans to retire after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
Shakib Al Hasan has represented Bangladesh in 70 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20 internationals over an 18-year career [File: Eranga Jayawardena/AP].
26 Sep 2024
Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, currently facing murder charges in Bangladesh, has announced plans to retire from international cricket in March 2025 after an 18-year career. Shakib, along with several members of ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party, faces prosecution for alleged involvement in a deadly police crackdown on protesters in July and August.
Although he hasn’t returned home since Hasina's government was toppled in August, Shakib confirmed on Thursday his desire to play one final Test series in Bangladesh. The 37-year-old expressed interest in participating in the upcoming Test series against South Africa, but his return is uncertain due to the country’s unstable political situation.
"I’ve spoken to the BCB [Bangladesh Cricket Board] and selectors. They’re trying to make arrangements for me to play those two Test matches in Mirpur and finish my career there," Shakib told reporters ahead of Bangladesh’s second Test against India in Kanpur. "If that’s not possible, maybe this will be my last Test."
The South Africa tour, scheduled to start on October 21, is under review as the Proteas assess the safety situation in Bangladesh following recent political unrest.
Shakib also confirmed that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan will mark his final international appearance. "I have eight ODIs left, and the Champions Trophy will be my last," he said, having already retired from T20 internationals after the 2024 World Cup.
Widely regarded as Bangladesh’s greatest cricketer and one of the sport's best all-rounders, Shakib has amassed over 700 wickets and nearly 15,000 runs in international cricket. He is the only player to have topped the ICC all-rounder rankings in all three formats simultaneously.
Shakib has been a central figure in Bangladesh’s rise as an international cricketing force, celebrated for his on-field brilliance and marred by controversy. His career, which began in 2006, includes 70 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20 internationals.
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