Bangladesh cricket star Shakib Al Hasan revealed on Thursday that the second Test against India in Kanpur might be his final match if the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) doesn’t arrange a farewell game for him at home.
The 37-year-old all-rounder has expressed his desire to play his last Test match in Mirpur, Dhaka. He will only play one-day international cricket from now on.
BCB informed of all-rounder’s decision
Shakib, who has an impressive record of 69 Tests, accumulating 4,453 runs and claiming 242 wickets, said he’s already spoken with the BCB about his plans.
“I’ve informed the BCB about my wish to end my Test career in Mirpur, and they’ve agreed in principle. They’re working on making that possible,” he explained.
Request for home farewell
However, if the BCB can’t arrange the home game, Shakib confirmed that the second Test against India in Kanpur will be his final appearance in the longest format of the game.
“If things don’t work out, then this match against India will be my last Test,” he stated on the eve of the Test.
Murder Case in Bangladesh
Shakib’s retirement announcement comes amid political turmoil in Bangladesh. He was named in a murder case related to the unrest that resulted in the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Shakib had also served as a member of Parliament under Hasina’s Awami League party.
The all-rounder was below par in the series opener in Chennai last week, going wicketless from 21 overs but he did manage to score 32 and 25 in both innings.
Bangladesh coach confirmed on Wednesday that the star cricketer will be available for the second and final Test of the series which starts from September 27.
Shakib’s injury woes
Shakib is allegedly struggling from a finger injury which has hampered his bowling and that is why he wasn’t used as frequently by captain najmul Hossain Shanto in the Chennai Test.
Shakib was out of action for months after sustaining an injury on his left index finger during the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka ODI World Cup clash in 2023. He has since had issues with his shoulder and eye, apart from the finger injury.
