In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the cricket world, Shakib Al Hasan has announced he is reversing his retirement from Test and T20I cricket, declaring his intention to return to Bangladesh and play one complete series across all three formats before officially calling time on his illustrious international career. The former Bangladesh captain made this explosive announcement on the Beard Before Wicket podcast featuring England all-rounder Moeen Ali on Sunday, marking the first time he has publicly confirmed his comeback plans.
“I am officially not retired from all formats,” Shakib stated emphatically during the podcast. “This is the first time I’ll be revealing that. My plan is to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series of ODI, Test, and T20, and retire.”
The 37-year-old all-rounder’s decision represents a dramatic U-turn from his announcements last year, when he indicated his T20I career was over and expressed his desire to play his final Test match during the home series against South Africa in October 2024. However, political turmoil and security concerns prevented that farewell from materializing, leaving Shakib’s last Test appearance as the Kanpur match against India in September 2024.
Table of Contents
The Farewell Series Plan
Shakib elaborated on his vision for a proper farewell, emphasizing flexibility in how the series would be structured. “I mean, [I can] retire from all formats in a series. So it can start from T20I, ODI and Test, or Test, ODI, T20I. Either way, I’m fine, but I want to play a whole series and retire. That’s what I want,” he explained.
The legendary all-rounder made it clear that his motivation transcends personal achievement or statistical milestones. His primary focus is providing closure for the fans who have supported him throughout his nearly two-decade international career. “I think when a player says something, they try to stick to their words. They normally don’t change it all of a sudden. It doesn’t matter if I play well or not. I might play a bad series after that, if I want to play. But I don’t need to do that,” Shakib said.
He added a poignant explanation for his decision: “I think this is enough. It’s just a nicer way to say bye to the fans that they supported me always, give something back to them, playing a home series.”
This sentiment underscores Shakib’s desire for a dignified conclusion to his career in front of the Bangladesh supporters who have witnessed his transformation from a teenage prodigy into one of cricket’s premier all-rounders.
The Political Complications
Shakib’s absence from Bangladesh since May 2024 is inextricably linked to the country’s dramatic political upheaval. The Awami League government, in which Shakib served as a Member of Parliament representing his hometown Magura-1 constituency, was overthrown on August 5, 2024, following widespread student-led protests and civil unrest.
Shakib had officially joined the Awami League in 2023 and contested the 2024 Bangladeshi general election as the party’s candidate for Magura-1, securing a landslide victory by defeating his nearest rival by more than 179,000 votes. He won the parliamentary seat in January 2024, adding the dimension of politician to his already multifaceted identity as cricketer and businessman.
However, his political affiliation became problematic following the regime change. Shakib faced severe criticism from protesters and was accused of remaining silent during the July massacre. A murder case was subsequently filed against him for allegedly ordering the killing of a garment worker named Rubel during the movement, adding legal complications to his political troubles.
Bangladesh’s sports adviser had previously vowed that Shakib would never play for the country again after he posted birthday wishes for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladesh Cricket Board initially denied him the opportunity to play his planned farewell Test against South Africa in October 2024 due to security concerns, with authorities unable to guarantee his safety upon return.
Hope for Return
Despite these significant obstacles, Shakib expressed cautious optimism about returning to Bangladesh. When asked whether he would indeed return, he responded: “I am hopeful. That’s why I’m playing [T20 leagues]. I think it will happen.”
His continued participation in various T20 franchise leagues around the world serves a dual purpose—maintaining match fitness and staying relevant while working toward a potential return. Shakib has been active on the franchise circuit, using these opportunities to remain in peak condition for his hoped-for international comeback.
The all-rounder’s comments suggest negotiations or discussions may be occurring behind the scenes with Bangladesh cricket authorities and possibly government officials to facilitate his return. However, no concrete timeline or series has been officially scheduled for his farewell.
Political Ambitions Remain
Interestingly, Shakib also indicated that his political aspirations haven’t been completely abandoned despite the current challenges. When asked what legacy he wants to leave, he revealed: “[I have] done my cricketing part. Maybe political side is left. It’s something I want to do for the people of Bangladesh and people of Magura. That was my intention, and it is still my intention. Let’s see where Allah takes me.”
This statement suggests Shakib envisions a post-cricket life that includes public service, though the feasibility of such plans depends entirely on Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape and whether he can rehabilitate his standing with the current interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
A Legendary Career
Shakib Al Hasan’s potential return would provide closure to one of cricket’s most remarkable careers. Widely regarded as Bangladesh’s greatest-ever cricketer, his statistics across all formats underscore his exceptional all-round abilities and longevity at the international level.
In Test cricket, Shakib has played 71 matches, accumulating 4,609 runs and claiming 246 wickets, making him one of the rare players to achieve such balanced contributions in the longest format. His Test breakthrough came against New Zealand in Chittagong in 2008, where he recorded figures of 7 for 36, the best by a Bangladeshi bowler at that time.
His ODI record is even more impressive, with 247 appearances yielding 7,570 runs and 317 wickets. Shakib became the fastest player in history to achieve the remarkable double of 5,000 runs and 250 wickets in ODIs, cementing his status as one of the format’s premier all-rounders. His performance at the 2019 Cricket World Cup remains legendary, where he scored 606 runs, breaking the record for most runs in the group stages previously held by Sachin Tendulkar.
In T20 Internationals, Shakib has represented Bangladesh in 129 matches, scoring 2,551 runs and taking 149 wickets. As of 2025, he holds the distinction of being the all-time highest wicket-taker in ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, a testament to his consistency and skill in cricket’s shortest format.
Impact on Bangladesh Cricket
Beyond statistics, Shakib’s impact on Bangladesh cricket cannot be overstated. He captained the team to their first-ever Test victory over England in 2016 and led them through numerous memorable campaigns in ICC tournaments. He was the only cricketer to be ranked number one by the International Cricket Council in all three formats simultaneously, a feat that speaks to his versatility and dominance.
His aggressive left-handed batting in the middle order and controlled slow left-arm orthodox bowling made him a match-winner in all conditions. ESPN ranked him the 90th most famous athlete in the world in 2019, and he was included in the ICC Men’s Team of the Year twice (2009, 2021).
The Road Ahead
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has maintained that the door remains open for Shakib’s return, despite the sports adviser’s earlier hardline stance. Whether the interim government and cricket authorities can overcome political sensitivities to facilitate a farewell series remains uncertain.
For Bangladesh cricket, Shakib’s return presents both opportunities and challenges. His experience and skill could significantly benefit a relatively young squad, but selectors must navigate the lingering political tensions and gauge public sentiment carefully. The risk of protests similar to those that prevented his South Africa Test farewell still exists.
Shakib’s revelation that he never officially retired adds another layer to this complex situation. By keeping his options open while playing franchise cricket, he has positioned himself for a potential comeback should circumstances align favorably. His stated intention to play regardless of results or performance demonstrates that this return is purely about providing proper closure for himself and the fans.
As Bangladesh continues its political transition under the Yunus-led interim government, Shakib Al Hasan’s cricketing future remains intertwined with the nation’s broader political narrative. Whether he achieves his desired farewell series at home or his international career concludes unceremoniously in exile will likely depend on factors far beyond his control.
For now, one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders has made his intentions clear—he wants one more chance to wear the Bangladesh colors at home, to hear the roar of his home crowd, and to bid farewell on his own terms. Whether that wish becomes reality remains one of cricket’s most compelling ongoing sagas.
FAQs
Why did Shakib Al Hasan reverse his retirement from Test and T20I cricket?
Shakib reversed his retirement because he wants to give back to Bangladesh fans who supported him throughout his career. He stated he wants to play one complete series at home across all three formats as a proper farewell, emphasizing it’s a nicer way to say goodbye to supporters rather than retiring without playing in front of them.
When did Shakib Al Hasan last play for Bangladesh?
Shakib’s last international appearance came in the second Test against India in Kanpur in September 2024. He hasn’t returned to Bangladesh since May 2024 due to political turmoil following the overthrow of the Awami League government, and he was unable to play his planned farewell Test against South Africa in October 2024 due to security concerns.
What are Shakib Al Hasan’s career statistics across all formats?
Shakib has played 71 Tests (4,609 runs, 246 wickets), 247 ODIs (7,570 runs, 317 wickets), and 129 T20Is (2,551 runs, 149 wickets). He is the fastest player to achieve 5,000 runs and 250 wickets in ODIs and holds the record as the all-time highest wicket-taker in ICC Men’s T20 World Cups.
Why can’t Shakib Al Hasan return to Bangladesh currently?
Shakib hasn’t returned since May 2024 due to political complications following the August 2024 overthrow of the Awami League government, where he served as MP for Magura-1. A murder case was filed against him, and Bangladesh’s sports adviser previously stated he would never play for the country again, though the BCB maintains the door remains open for his return.
