In a heartwarming twist for Bangladesh cricket fans, star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has pulled back from the brink of retirement. The 38-year-old legend, who stunned the cricketing world with his abrupt exit announcement last year, now says he's not done just yet. Speaking candidly on former England spinner Moeen Ali's podcast "Beard Before Wicket," Shakib revealed his plans to return home and play a full series before saying a final goodbye to the game.
"I have not retired from all formats yet," Shakib said with his trademark calm demeanor. "My plan is to return to Bangladesh, play a full home series—T20I, ODI, and Test—and then retire from all three formats simultaneously. Whether it starts with T20I or Test, it doesn't matter to me. I just want to play a full series and bid farewell to the fans."
This reversal comes after months of uncertainty. Shakib stepped away from international cricket following the Test series against India in Kanpur in September 2024, where he played what he thought was his last match. At the time, he had already called time on Tests and T20Is, eyeing the 2025 Champions Trophy as his ODI swansong—though he wasn't picked for it. His last ODI was the 2023 World Cup clash against Sri Lanka in Delhi. But life, politics, and a pesky bowling action issue threw curveballs his way.
Shakib hasn't set foot in Bangladesh since May 2024, amid safety fears after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5. As an Awami League MP, he got tangled in a murder case allegation, forcing him to play abroad—in Pakistan, India, and various T20 leagues. "I am very hopeful that I will return," he assured listeners. "That's why I'm currently playing in different T20 leagues. I am sure it will happen."
Adding to his woes was a bowling ban in 2024 during county cricket for Surrey in England. Exhausted after bowling over 70 overs in a four-day game—a personal record even for Tests—Shakib admitted to tweaking his action slightly. The ECB flagged it, sidelining him. "I was completely exhausted... I didn't complain," he recalled. But true to form, he fixed it swiftly. "Then I felt it was very easy to fix it," he added, after reviewing videos and practicing for weeks with Surrey's help. He only played one match for them last season, but the episode highlighted his resilience.
For Shakib, this home series isn't about stats or glory—it's personal. "There would be no pressure of results," he emphasized. "I just want to thank those fans who have supported me for years. A player should stick to his promise. It doesn't matter whether I play well or not. I just want to give something back to the fans by playing on home ground."
Shakib's career is a Bangladesh blueprint: 4,000+ Test runs, 7,000+ ODIs, and wizardry with the ball across formats. From leading the Tigers to their first major wins to becoming the world's top all-rounder, he's the heartbeat of Bangladeshi cricket. This farewell tour could reignite that fire, especially with the nation craving stability post-political turmoil.
Cricket Bangladesh chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain welcomed the news, calling it a "boost for the team." Teammates like Litton Das echoed the sentiment on social media, posting fire emojis and "Come back stronger, skipper!" While no official dates are set, whispers suggest a packed 2026 calendar could host the series.
As Shakib eyes this emotional curtain call, fans are buzzing. Will he spin one last web at home? Or smash boundaries in Dhaka? One thing's clear: the all-rounder's encore promises to be unforgettable. Stay tuned for more updates as Bangladesh cricket gears up for its hero's last hurrah.
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