“DHAKA: Shakib Al Hasan has announced that October’s Dhaka Test against South Africa will be his last and also confirmed that he has played his last T20I for Bangladesh. He made this statement to the media ahead of the Kanpur Test against India and hinted that his future international appearances would be limited to ODIs. The series against South Africa remains uncertain as Cricket South Africa has yet to grant a security clearance following inspections of the venue earlier this week. This comes in the wake of riots in Bangladesh during July and August that left several hundred dead. Shakib was a member of parliament for the Awami League-led government that was the target of the protests. Since the fall of the Awami League-led government on August 5, Shakib has been facing complications and has been out of the country. “I am available for the South Africa series, but with a lot going on at home, naturally not everything depends on me,” Shakib said. “I discussed my plans for Test cricket with the BCB. Especially about this series and the home series. I thought it might be my last Test series.” “I have told [BCB president] Faruque bhai and the selectors. If there is a chance and if I am able to play, my last Test will be in Mirpur. The board is trying to ensure that I can play and at the same time I can leave the country without any problems.” “I am a Bangladeshi citizen, so I should have no problem returning to Bangladesh,” he said. “I’m worried about my safety and security in Bangladesh. My close friends and family are worried. I hope it’s getting better. There should be a solution.” Shakib has featured in every edition of the T20 World Cup since its inception in 2007 and finished the 2024 edition as the tournament’s top wicket-taker with 50 wickets. Shakib appeared in 129 T20Is for Bangladesh and scored 2551 runs and 149 wickets. After retiring from T20Is and opting to retire from the longer format of the game soon, Shakib plans to play Champions Trophy 2025 as his last ODI assignment for Bangladesh.
