For almost many years, Shakib Al Hasan has been the coronary heart and soul of Bangladesh cricket. As one of the finest all-rounders the sport has seen, his call is synonymous with the rise of Bangladesh’s national team at the worldwide level. Now, together with his retirement planned for March 2025, cricket fans round the world are preparing to bid farewell to an iconic figure.
A Gradual Goodbye
Back in past due 2023, Shakib made it clear his retirement might be phased. “I will stop playing codecs one at a time,” he told journalists, pointing to the 2024 T20 World Cup because the endpoint for his T20I profession, and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as the very last stage for his ODI fits. His Test career, he introduced, would in all likelihood finish even in advance. This sluggish farewell changed into designed to offer fans more than one opportunities to have a good time his contributions.
The Shadow of Politics
However, things have not long past completely to plot. Shakib’s wish to complete his Test profession at domestic, preferably with matches played at Mirpur, remains unfulfilled. Since mid-2024, he has stayed away from Bangladesh because of serious protection issues amid political turmoil and ongoing investigations regarding his name. This state of affairs has solid a cloud over what should had been a celebratory homecoming.
“My challenge is my safety and protection in Bangladesh,” Shakib stated in an distinct interview, reflecting the heavy realities in the back of the headlines.
The cricket community has expressed sympathy and challenge for Shakib. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officers have acknowledged the tough function but remain hopeful of resolving subjects to facilitate his proper farewell.
Bowling Ban Complicates Matters
A essential obstacle changed into Shakib’s suspension from bowling. In December 2024, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) imposed a ban after biomechanical checking out found out his elbow extension surpassed criminal limits at some stage in bowling. This meant Shakib turned into not eligible to bowl in worldwide or domestic video games.
Shakib’s bowling has always been a important part of his price to the Bangladesh group — a pinnacle-tier spinner able to turning suits. Without this talent, his function shrinks mainly to batting. This drastically affected his selection possibilities, specially for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, wherein squad balance is essential.
BCB and Team Dynamics
BCB President Faruque Ahmed and head coach Russell Domingo have publicly expressed their support for Shakib.
“He is a key player, and we want him within the squad, provided his bowling action is cleared,” stated Faruque. Meanwhile, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto mentioned Shakib’s massive enjoy and the improve his presence presents the group morale-sensible.
The selectors face a hard undertaking: balancing Shakib’s legendary popularity against modern team form and fitness.
A Career Etched in Numbers
Shakib Al Hasan’s data communicate volumes. Over 17 years, he has accrued nearly 15,000 international runs and taken greater than 700 wickets across all codecs. No different cricketer has concurrently held the ICC’s primary all-rounder ranking in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is — a testomony to his rare talent and consistency.
His role in landmark victories, such as the historical win towards Australia within the 2017 Champions Trophy, and constantly robust World Cup performances, have secured his location in cricket records. In addition, he’s credited for uplifting a era of younger Bangladeshi gamers to dream larger.
Reactions from Fans and Players
Fans throughout Bangladesh had been vocal on social media, celebrating Shakib’s legacy whilst lamenting the turbulent finishing to his profession. One popular submit summed it up:
“Shakib is Bangladesh cricket. His battles on and rancid the field encourage us all. He merits a proper farewell.”
Current teammates have praised his mentorship and professionalism. All-rounder Mosaddek Hossain shared:
“Playing along Shakib is a mastering revel in whenever. His dedication units the benchmark.”
Former captain Mashrafe Mortaza pondered on Shakib’s have an effect on:
“He delivered belief to Bangladesh cricket that we can compete with the best. His retirement marks the give up of a golden chapter.”
Bowling Ban Lifted — A Possible Return?
In March 2025, Shakib surpassed any other bowling motion reassessment test, clearing the manner to bowl again across the world. This development renewed hopes of his inclusion in the Champions Trophy and possibly a more potent finish to his career.
However, timing and political realities still weigh heavily.
Platforms to Follow Bangladesh Cricket
For fanatics trying up-to-date news and insights on Shakib’s profession and Bangladesh cricket, websites offer comprehensive coverage:
DbBet — A nearby platform with targeted reporting on home and global Bangladeshi cricket.
https://indiabetting.Co.In/ — Regional cricket updates and analyses with a extensive angle.
Both assets music squad announcements, injury updates, and fit analyses.
What’s Next for Shakib?
Though worldwide retirement is close to, franchise T20 leagues remain an attractive alternative for Shakib. He has featured inside the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Indian Premier League (IPL), and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), showcasing his all-round abilities.
With his bowling ban lifted, franchise teams may additionally vie for his enjoy and talent, allowing him to play competitively however with greater manipulate over his schedule.
Conclusion
Shakib Al Hasan’s global retirement in March 2025 will mark the close of an generation in Bangladesh cricket. While external elements which include political unrest and bowling bans have complicated his farewell, his influence on the countrywide team and cricket worldwide remains profound.
He departs with records that few can in shape, a legacy of leadership, and the honor of enthusiasts and friends alike. His story displays not handiest the adventure of a sportsman however additionally the complexities athletes face beyond the sector.
