Bangladesh cricket’s living legend, Shakib Al Hasan, has once again found himself in the spotlight — not for his heroics with bat or ball, but for his open and heartfelt remarks about his future in the game.
For quite some time, there had been speculation that Shakib had quietly stepped away from Test and T20 cricket. During Bangladesh’s tour of India in September 2024, he had stated that he would not be returning to either format and even expressed his wish to play his final Test match at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. However, with time, the situation appears to have evolved.
In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, Shakib made a striking clarification: he has not officially retired from any format of the game. In his own words, “To be honest, I haven’t officially retired from any format yet.”
This candid revelation has reignited discussions about a possible return to the field for the veteran all-rounder. Speaking further, Shakib expressed his heartfelt desire to end his cricketing journey on home soil — ideally in front of his fans at Mirpur. “Yes, I absolutely want to retire from cricket in my own country. It’s more for my fans than for myself. If that becomes possible, it would be the most beautiful moment for me and for all my supporters,” he said.
Shakib’s contribution to Bangladesh cricket is beyond measure. A dependable batsman, a consistent wicket-taker, and an inspiring leader — he has been the heartbeat of the national team for more than a decade. His influence has transcended generations, shaping the identity of modern Bangladesh cricket.
Now, as speculation continues about when and how the great all-rounder will take his final bow, one dream resonates with fans across the nation — to see Shakib Al Hasan play his last match at Mirpur, under the floodlights, before a packed gallery cheering for the man who defined an era of Bangladeshi cricket.