A Sudden U-turn from Bangladesh’s Most Influential Cricketer
In a dramatic reversal that has instantly reshaped the conversation around Bangladesh cricket, Shakib Al Hasan has declared that he is “officially not retired from any format”, signalling his intention to return for a final full-series farewell in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
The revelation came during an appearance on the Beard Before Wicket podcast hosted by Moeen Ali, marking the first time Shakib publicly walked back his earlier retirement announcements.
For a player who has shaped two decades of Bangladesh cricket — and often polarised it — the timing and tone of the admission were unmistakably news-breaking. It also adds another layer to an already complex chapter of his career, which has blended cricketing excellence with political entanglements and questions around his future in the national setup.
“I Want to Play One Full Series and Retire” — Shakib Outlines His Final Plan
Shakib made his intentions clear: he wants to bow out on his own terms.
“My plan is to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series of ODI, Test, and T20, and retire,”
he said. “Either way, I’m fine, but I want to play a whole series and retire.”
It is a rare moment of clarity from a player whose last year has been defined by uncertainty. Shakib has not played international cricket since September 2024, when the second Test in Kanpur became his last appearance for Bangladesh.
A Return Overshadowed by Political Upheaval
Shakib has been away from Bangladesh since May 2024, shortly before the Awami League government — the party he represented as an MP — was dethroned. After the government’s fall on August 5, he was named in an FIR related to an alleged murder case. Though he was outside the country at the time, the development triggered a chain of events that made a national return increasingly complicated.
Protests around the Shere Bangla National Stadium, public criticism over his silence during student-led demonstrations that resulted in hundreds of deaths, and the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s inability to guarantee him safe passage all shaped his absence.
The BCB ultimately dropped him from the home Test series against South Africa. Later, the new sports adviser publicly declared that Shakib would not be allowed to play after he wished former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on her birthday — a comment that added further ambiguity to his cricketing prospects.
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Cricketing Intent Still Firm Despite Uncertainty
Despite the turbulence, Shakib insisted he is hopeful of returning:
“I am hopeful. That’s why I’m playing T20 leagues. I think it will happen.”
His desire to end his career in front of home fans mirrors the sentiment of many elite players nearing the finish line. Shakib emphasised that the farewell would not be about performance or statistics — a telling admission for a cricketer whose competitive edge has defined him.
“It doesn’t matter if I play well or not… It’s just a nicer way to say bye to the fans.”
Tactical and Selection Implications for Bangladesh
A potential Shakib return triggers immediate selection debates:
1. Middle-Order Balance in Tests and ODIs
Bangladesh have struggled with stability in the middle order since his departure. Even a short-term return offers leadership, tactical sharpness, and left-arm spin — elements their current lineup lacks in combination.
2. T20I Role Uncertain
Bangladesh’s T20 team has attempted a reset with younger players. Shakib’s re-entry could either strengthen the side’s tactical depth or complicate the transition process.
However, selectors may hesitate until political clarity is restored. Availability logistics, security considerations, and board approval remain major hurdles.
A Cricketer Driven by Dual Futures
Shakib also hinted at a continued political career, framing cricket as just one chapter of a broader public role.
“[I have] done my cricketing part. Maybe political side is left.”
It is an admission that reinforces what many in Bangladesh already believe: Shakib is no longer just a cricketer, but a national figure navigating two high-pressure arenas at once.
A Farewell Story Still Being Written
Shakib Al Hasan’s decision to withdraw his retirement is as bold as it is complicated. It promises drama, debate, and intense scrutiny — fitting for a player whose career has rarely been straightforward.
Whether he gets the farewell series he desires depends on more than cricketing form. Politics, public sentiment, board willingness, and national stability will ultimately shape the final chapter of one of Bangladesh’s most influential sporting careers.
But for now, Shakib has signalled one thing with unmistakable clarity:
his story in Bangladesh cricket is not over yet.