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After an illustrious career spanning 18 years, Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s cricket icon, has announced his retirement from international cricket. The former captain, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of the modern era, confirmed that March 2025 would mark the end of his international journey. However, his decision comes amid personal and political challenges, making his future appearances for Bangladesh uncertain.
A Final Farewell Planned for March 2025
Shakib Al Hasan, now 37 years old, expressed his desire to retire after Bangladesh’s scheduled home Test series against South Africa in March 2025. This series, if it takes place as planned, will be the fitting end of his Test career.
“I have spoken to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the selectors about this,” Shakib Al Hasan said during a press conference. “They are working to organize everything so I can play these last two Test matches in Mirpur and end my Test career at home.”
However, his participation in this series remains in doubt due to Bangladesh’s ongoing political turmoil. Shakib has been embroiled in legal troubles and faces prosecution in Bangladesh over charges related to a deadly police crackdown on protesters earlier in the year. This unrest led to the toppling of the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, of which Shakib has been implicated as a member. As a result, he has not returned to his home country since the political upheaval began in August 2024.
Political Challenges Cast Doubt on Future Matches
The uncertainty around Shakib Al Hasan’s return to Bangladesh looms large, particularly given his current legal predicament. Shakib, along with other notable figures, faces accusations of culpability in the violent suppression of anti-government protests that took place between July and August 2024. The ongoing legal proceedings and political instability have kept him away from Bangladesh, and his future presence in the country depends on the resolution of these issues.
The South African team, scheduled to tour Bangladesh in March, is also evaluating the safety of traveling to the country. If the political situation doesn’t improve, Shakib’s farewell Test matches may never materialize. In such a scenario, his Test career could end without a final home appearance. “If that doesn’t happen, maybe this [India-Bangladesh Test in Kanpur] is my last one,” he added.
Last International Outing: ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Shakib Al Hasan confirmed that the ICC Champions Trophy, set to be held in Pakistan in 2025, would mark his final international appearance. Having already announced his retirement from T20 cricket following the World Cup in June 2024, he now aims to conclude his One-Day International (ODI) career after playing eight more matches leading up to the Champions Trophy.
“The Champions Trophy will be my last international tournament,” Shakib confirmed, adding that it was the right time to step aside and allow new talent to emerge. “This is the right time for me to move on, and BCB will look into some new players,” he said, signaling the beginning of a new era for Bangladesh cricket.
Shakib Al Hasan’s Glorious Career Filled with Achievements
Shakib Al Hasan’s decision to retire marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Bangladesh’s cricketing history. He is considered the best cricketer the country has ever produced, with over 700 wickets and nearly 15,000 runs in international cricket. Throughout his career, Shakib played 70 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20 internationals, making significant contributions to his team’s success.
Beyond the numbers, Shakib Al Hasan’s influence on Bangladesh cricket is undeniable. His performances with both bat and ball were often match-winning, and his aggressive leadership style helped transform Bangladesh into a formidable force in international cricket. Shakib Al Hasan is the only cricketer to have topped the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) all-rounder rankings in all three formats (Test, ODI, and T20) simultaneously, a testament to his versatility and dominance.
Legacy: A Mixed Bag of Triumphs and Controversies
While his cricketing abilities earned him accolades and admiration worldwide, Shakib Al Hasan’s career was not without its controversies. He was the driving force behind Bangladesh’s rise on the international stage, but his time in the spotlight has also been marked by scandals.
His involvement in cricket’s administrative and political landscape often placed him in the eye of public scrutiny. Additionally, his run-ins with the ICC for disciplinary issues, including a suspension for failing to report corrupt approaches, tarnished his otherwise illustrious reputation. Despite these setbacks, Shakib remains a beloved figure among fans who have followed his journey closely.
The End of an Era for Bangladesh Cricket
As Shakib Al Hasan nears his retirement in 2025, his contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come. Whether or not he plays his farewell Test series at home, his legacy is already etched in the annals of cricketing history. Shakib’s retirement will leave a significant void in the Bangladesh national team, and finding someone to fill his shoes will be no easy task.
Nevertheless, Bangladesh cricket will look forward to nurturing its next generation of stars, inspired by the journey of one of the greatest all-rounders in the sport.
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