Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has added another distinguished accolade to his illustrious career after being named in Wisden’s all-time Indian Premier League (IPL) Asian XI. Published on Thursday (26 March) by the revered cricket publication, the selection recognises the most influential Asian performers in the history of the tournament. Notably, the XI contains no Indian players, while Shakib stands as the sole representative from Bangladesh, underscoring his enduring impact on franchise cricket at the highest level.
Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished all-rounders of the modern era, Shakib enjoyed a decade-long IPL career stretching from 2011 to 2021. During this period, he featured for franchises including Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, establishing himself as a dependable and tactically valuable squad member. Across 71 appearances, he scored 793 runs at an average of 19.82 and maintained a strike rate of 124.48. While his batting provided useful contributions in the middle order, it was his left-arm spin that consistently proved decisive, as he claimed 63 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.43, highlighting his ability to control the flow of runs in pressure situations.
Wisden’s selection reflects a heavily Sri Lankan-influenced side, with six players from Sri Lanka forming the backbone of the XI. The combination brings together legendary figures from the early years of the IPL alongside modern T20 specialists, creating a balanced unit with depth in batting, elite spin options, and versatile pace bowling. Afghanistan’s growing presence in world cricket is also acknowledged through two key inclusions, while representation from Pakistan-born and England-qualified cricketers adds further diversity to the squad’s composition.
Wisden IPL Asian XI (All-Time Selection)
| Position | Player | Nation | Role | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | Opener | Explosive powerplay batting |
| 2 | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Afghanistan | Wicketkeeper-opener | Aggressive T20 stroke play |
| 3 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | Batter | Technical excellence and consistency |
| 4 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | Batter | Tactical leadership and stability |
| 5 | Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | All-rounder | 63 wickets and 793 runs in IPL |
| 6 | Azhar Mahmood | Pakistan/England | All-rounder | Seam bowling and lower-order runs |
| 7 | Thisara Perera | Sri Lanka | All-rounder | Explosive finishing ability |
| 8 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | Spinner | One of cricket’s greatest wicket-takers |
| 9 | Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | Spinner | Elite modern T20 leg-spin control |
| 10 | Sohail Tanvir | Pakistan | Fast bowler | Standout performer in 2008 season |
| 11 | Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | Fast bowler | Renowned death-over specialist |
Shakib’s position at number five reflects his archetypal role as a modern T20 all-rounder—capable of stabilising the innings when required while also delivering high-value overs with the ball. His dual skill set allowed him to remain a flexible and strategic option across multiple IPL franchises, particularly in tightly contested matches where balance and adaptability are crucial.
The strong Sri Lankan representation within the XI highlights the nation’s significant influence during the formative and peak years of the IPL. Players such as Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Lasith Malinga were instrumental not only in delivering individual performances but also in shaping early franchise strategies and T20 playing philosophies.
Afghanistan’s inclusion through Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan illustrates the rapid rise of the nation in global T20 cricket. Gurbaz represents the modern attacking wicketkeeper-batter mould, while Rashid Khan has become one of the most feared spin bowlers in franchise cricket worldwide. Their presence signals a generational shift in the balance of T20 talent emerging from Asia.
Meanwhile, Thisara Perera and Sohail Tanvir add further depth and historical significance to the side. Tanvir’s remarkable 2008 campaign, in which he won the inaugural Purple Cap, remains one of the most memorable individual seasons in IPL history, while Perera’s lower-order hitting provided valuable finishing strength during his career.
Shakib’s inclusion in such an elite and historically rich line-up reinforces his reputation as one of Asia’s most reliable and adaptable franchise cricketers. His sustained contributions across multiple seasons, varying roles, and diverse playing conditions have cemented his place among the IPL’s most respected overseas performers, ensuring his legacy continues to stand strong within the global T20 arena.