The beleaguered former skipper, who is currently embroiled in murder allegations in Bangladesh, plans to retire post the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 taking place in Pakistan.
Shakib, who has donned the national jersey for 18 years, is facing serious legal challenges at home. Alongside numerous other officials from ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s party, he is implicated in a violent police crackdown on demonstrators that occurred in July and August.
Since the fall of Hasina’s administration in August, he has remained abroad, but on Thursday, he declared his intention to participate in one final Test series on home soil.
The 37-year-old cricketer has expressed eagerness to play for Bangladesh in the upcoming Test series against South Africa, though his return to the country is uncertain given the current political situation.
He confirmed that the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year would mark his swan song on the international stage. “I have eight ODIs remaining, and the Champions Trophy will be my finale,” he stated.
Shakib has already announced his retirement from T20s following the World Cup in June, asserting, “This is the appropriate moment for me to step aside, and the BCB will scout for fresh talent.”
Often regarded as the greatest cricketer of the South Asian nation, Shakib is one of the most remarkable all-rounders in the sport, boasting over 700 wickets and nearly 15,000 runs on the international circuit.
He has been pivotal in propelling the Bangladesh team into a formidable force in international cricket, captivating fans through extraordinary performances as well as controversies.
Shakib remains unique for having held the top spot in the International Cricket Council’s all-rounder rankings across all three formats concurrently.
The seasoned player also played an essential part in his team’s landmark Test series triumph in Pakistan earlier this month and notably participated in county cricket for Surrey in England before heading to India.
His international journey commenced in 2006 and includes 70 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20 international encounters.
