Shakib Al Hasan, the living legend of Bangladesh cricket, is once again in the spotlight—not for his exploits with bat or ball, but for a candid statement regarding his future in the game.
For quite some time, rumours have suggested that Shakib had retired from Test and T20 formats. Back in September 2024, during Bangladesh’s tour of India, he himself announced that he would not return to these formats and expressed a desire to play his final Test match in Mirpur. However, with the passage of time, the situation appears to have evolved.
In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, Shakib made it clear that he has not officially retired from any format yet. In his own words, “To be honest, I have not formally retired from any format.”
This statement has reignited discussions about the possibility of his return to the field. Shakib further revealed his heartfelt wish to play his farewell match on home soil, particularly in Mirpur. He said, “Yes, I absolutely want to retire in Bangladesh. It’s more for my fans than for myself. If that becomes possible, it will be the most beautiful moment for both me and my supporters.”
Shakib’s contribution to Bangladesh cricket is undeniable. With dependable performances both with the bat and ball, he has been the heart and soul of the team for over a decade. His consistent all-round abilities have made him a central figure and a beacon of hope for Bangladesh cricket.
The thought of Shakib’s final match being played in front of thousands of fans in the Mirpur stadium is something the entire country eagerly anticipates. It would be a fitting and emotional farewell for one of Bangladesh’s greatest cricketing icons.