Shakib Al Hasan, undoubtedly one of Bangladesh’s greatest cricketers, has put fans and administrators through a roller-coaster ride regarding his international retirement plans. The all-rounder’s career trajectory has been marked not just by remarkable performances on the field but by an increasingly complex web of political entanglements, legal troubles, and constantly shifting retirement timelines. The latest twist came on December 7, 2025, when Shakib declared he was “officially not retired” from all formats, despite not playing for Bangladesh since October 2024.
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The 2027 World Cup Declaration (April 2021)
At age 34, speculation about Shakib Al Hasan’s retirement began intensifying before he addressed the matter with a bold proclamation on Facebook in April 2021. The all-rounder laid out a clear plan tied to Bangladesh’s World Cup ambitions: “In the year 2023, it’s my last World Cup. If Bangladesh don’t win, I will continue until 2027.”
He added context to his decision-making process, stating: “I have no plans of retirement as of now. The prospects are open for the time being. When I feel I’m not enjoying the sport anymore, then I will retire. And until the time I feel I am enjoying it, I will continue.” This statement suggested Shakib Al Hasan intended to extend his career based on both personal fulfillment and national achievement.
Format-Specific Timeline Announced (September 2023)
Two years later, ahead of the 2023 World Cup, Shakib Al Hasan provided more concrete timelines for each format after being reinstated as Bangladesh’s ODI captain. He revealed: “The 2025 Champions Trophy for ODIs and the 2024 T20 World Cup for T20Is will be my last games for Bangladesh. Tests may be sooner. Maybe after the World Cup.”
The veteran all-rounder clarified his phased approach: “I will retire all at once, but I will stop playing each format one by one. I will announce my retirement after the 2025 Champions Trophy.” This methodical plan appeared to signal a structured conclusion to one of cricket’s most decorated careers.
During this period, Shakib Al Hasan also entered politics, contesting the 2024 Bangladesh general election as the ruling Awami League party’s candidate and winning to become a Member of Parliament from the Magura-1 constituency.
Political Turmoil and Safety Concerns (September 2024)
The situation took a dramatic turn in August 2024 when a student-led political movement resulted in the fall of the Awami League government. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had governed Bangladesh for 15 years, was deposed. As a sitting MP, Shakib Al Hasan was implicated by association with the fallen regime.
More seriously, he was named as an accused in the alleged murder of Mohammad Rubel during clashes between protesters and police. When Bangladesh arrived in India for a two-Test series in September 2024, Shakib Al Hasan told reporters in Kanpur that he had “already played his final T20I,” expressing genuine fear for his safety: “Going back to Bangladesh is not a concern, but leaving Bangladesh once I go there is dangerous.”
Initially, Shakib Al Hasan wanted the first Test at Mirpur against South Africa to be his farewell match in the format and was even selected in the squad. However, the Mirpur Chhatra Janata, a student organization, wrote to the Bangladesh Cricket Board demanding his removal. Protests erupted at the venue with signs labeling him “Hasina’s man” and “Fascist.” The BCB complied, dropping him from the squad.
Bowling Action Suspension and Arrest Warrant (December 2024)
Further complications arose in December 2024 when Shakib Al Hasan was suspended from bowling after being called for an illegal action in the County Championship. He remained ineligible to bowl until March 2025, which likely contributed to Bangladesh leaving him out of their Champions Trophy squad.
Additionally, an arrest warrant was issued in Shakib Al Hasan’s name—separate from the murder case—for two bounced bank cheques. As of December 2025, the legal situation remains unresolved, adding another layer of uncertainty to his potential return to Bangladesh.
Glimmers of Hope (May 2025)
Between September 2024 and May 2025, public silence surrounded Shakib Al Hasan’s availability for international cricket. In May 2025, BCB director Iftekhar Rahman offered encouraging words after Bangladesh lost a T20I series 2-1 to the UAE: “Shakib will always be in the consideration of the selectors and the team management. He is an asset for any team. He is a world-class cricketer.”
Rahman continued: “He has just returned after correcting his bowling action so our team management will keep track of him. It is definitely not the end of our association with Shakib. He has only played a few matches after his suspension. Let him play a few more matches, I think then we can answer the question of his return.”
The Birthday Wish Controversy (September 2025)
Just when reconciliation seemed possible, Shakib Al Hasan became embroiled in a social media controversy on September 28, 2025. He posted a birthday wish for deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Facebook, triggering a fierce response from Bangladesh interim sports advisor Asif Mahmud.
Mahmud told local broadcaster Channel 24 that Shakib Al Hasan would not be allowed to “carry the Bangladeshi flag” or “wear the national jersey” again. He claimed Shakib was “deeply tied” to the Awami League, while the all-rounder insisted he only contested on the party’s ticket to serve his constituency’s people.
This firm governmental stance appeared to definitively close the door on Shakib Al Hasan’s international career.
The Latest Reversal (December 2025)
Remarkably, just over a year after his last international appearance, Shakib Al Hasan provided his clearest statement yet regarding his future. Appearing on the Beard Before Wicket podcast alongside former England international Moeen Ali, he declared: “I am officially not retired from all formats. My plan is to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series – ODI, Test and T20I – and retire. Retire from all formats in a series. I want to play a whole series and retire. I am hopeful, I think it will happen.”
Shakib Al Hasan revealed that “the only reason” he continues participating in franchise leagues like the Pakistan Super League, Caribbean Premier League, and International League T20 is to maintain fitness in anticipation of a farewell series. He emphasized that even if he performs well in such a series, he would not continue afterward.
Following the T20 World Cup early in 2026, Bangladesh have an all-format home series scheduled against Pakistan—comprising two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is—which could provide the ideal opportunity for Shakib Al Hasan’s long-awaited farewell series.
An Uncertain Legacy
Shakib Al Hasan’s retirement saga encapsulates the complex intersection of sport, politics, and personal safety in modern cricket. The greatest cricketer Bangladesh has produced finds himself caught between his desire for a dignified farewell and the political realities of his homeland. Whether he ultimately receives the send-off befitting his contributions to Bangladesh cricket remains uncertain, but his legacy as one of the format’s finest all-rounders is already secure.
The coming months will determine whether Shakib Al Hasan can navigate the political minefield to achieve his stated goal of retiring on his own terms, representing Bangladesh one final time across all formats.
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FAQs
When did Shakib Al Hasan last play for Bangladesh?
Shakib Al Hasan last played for Bangladesh in October 2024, over a year ago, despite declaring in December 2025 that he is not officially retired from international cricket.
Why was Shakib Al Hasan dropped from Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy squad?
Shakib was likely dropped due to his bowling action suspension which lasted until March 2025, combined with ongoing political controversies and legal troubles in Bangladesh.
What political troubles has Shakib Al Hasan faced?
Shakib was named as an accused in an alleged murder case during political protests, received an arrest warrant for bounced bank cheques, and faced backlash for his association with the deposed Awami League government.
What is Shakib Al Hasan’s current retirement plan?
Shakib stated in December 2025 that he wants to return to Bangladesh to play one complete all-format series (Tests, ODIs, T20Is) and then retire from international cricket.
Which series could be Shakib Al Hasan’s farewell?
The all-format home series against Pakistan scheduled after the T20 World Cup in early 2026 (two Tests, three ODIs, three T20Is) could provide the opportunity for Shakib’s farewell series.
