DHAKA, Bangladesh: Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan says he wants to return home to play one final series across all three formats before ending his international career.
The 38-year-old all-rounder said he has “not officially retired from any format” and intends to take part in a full home series of Tests, ODIs, and T20Is before saying farewell.
He made the comments on the Beard Before Wicket podcast released on Sunday.
Shakib said he wants to feature in one complete series and retire immediately afterwards.
“My plan is to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series of ODI, Test, and T20, and retire,” he said.
“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.”
He said his farewell would be about gratitude, not performance. “It doesn’t matter if I play well or not,” he said. “It’s just a nicer way to say bye to the fans who supported me always.”
Shakib has been outside Bangladesh since political unrest toppled the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government last year. He had been a member of parliament for Hasina’s party.
Hasina fled to India in August following deadly protests. The interim administration later said it could not guarantee Shakib’s safety, and the Bangladesh Cricket Board left him out of the home series against South Africa, where he had requested a farewell Test.
Shakib last played international cricket in October 2024, featuring in the second Test against India in Kanpur. He has not played since announcing his retirement from T20 Internationals last year.
Hopes of returning
Shakib said he continues to play franchise T20 leagues abroad in the hope of earning a return to the Bangladesh side.
“I am hopeful. That’s why I’m playing T20 leagues. I think it will happen,” he said.
He insisted he had never formally walked away from any format. “I haven’t stepped away from any format, officially. This is the first time I’m making that clear.”
Shakib hinted that he may pursue politics more seriously after ending his cricket career.
Widely regarded as Bangladesh’s greatest cricketer, Shakib said his career would end only after fans at home get a final chance to see him play.
