Shakib Al Hasan announces Test retirement, wishes to play final match at home

Bangladesh's ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan revealed that the upcoming Test series against South Africa at home will be his last in the format.

In Short

• Shakib Al Hasan set to retire from Tests after South Africa series
• Shakib also reveals his immediate retirement from T20 Internationals
• Shakib Al Hasan wants to play ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Bangladesh's legendary all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, has announced his intention to retire from Test cricket following next month's home series against South Africa in Mirpur, pending security clearance. Shakib also confirmed his immediate retirement from T20 internationals (T20Is).

Shakib made the announcement on Thursday while addressing the media in Kanpur ahead of the second Test against India, sharing that he had already communicated his decision to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the national selectors. Shakib, regarded as one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket, expressed his desire to bid farewell to the Test arena on home soil. The two-match Test series against South Africa, scheduled for mid-October, will be his last in whites.

"It's my desire to retire. I've shared this with the BCB and the selectors, and they have agreed. We are trying to arrange everything so I can play those two Test matches, or at least the one in Mirpur, and finish my Test career there. If everything is sorted, I will be able to leave the country safely afterward," Shakib stated.

However, if Shakib is unable to secure the necessary clearance to participate in the South Africa series, his final Test could be the second and final match of the ongoing series against India, set to begin in Kanpur on Friday.

"I have expressed my desire to play my last Test in Mirpur to BCB. I have told this to BCB, they agreed with me. They are trying to organise everything so that I can go to Bangladesh. If that won't happen, the match against India in Kanpur would be my last in Test cricket," said Shakib on the eve of the second and final Test against India here," Shakib said.

Over 17 years, Shakib Al Hasan has been the backbone of Bangladesh cricket, accumulating over 4,500 runs and taking more than 230 wickets. His leadership, skill, and consistency have earned him global recognition as one of the finest all-rounders of his generation.

T20I RETIREMENT AND BANGLADESH SECURITY CONCERN

Shakib also revealed his immediate retirement from T20 Internationals (T20Is). Having represented Bangladesh in every edition of the T20 World Cup since its inception in 2007, Shakib retires as the tournament's all-time leading wicket-taker. Reflecting on his decision, he said, "The T20I chapter has been memorable, but it's time to pass the torch to the next generation."

Shakib also confirmed his retirement from T20Is, marking the end of his storied career in the shortest format of the game. Reflecting on his decision, Shakib said, "I felt my last T20I was during the final match of the World Cup. After discussions with the selectors and the board, I believe it's the right time to step aside. I am looking ahead to the 2026 T20 World Cup, and I hope the BCB finds new talent that can lead the team to success in that tournament."

Regarding the security concerns that have influenced his decision, Shakib said, "As a Bangladeshi citizen, I have no issues returning home. The problem arises after I'm back. My concern is safety and security while living in Bangladesh, and this is something my family and close friends are worried about. I hope the situation improves, and a solution is found."