Shakib plans one final home series before retiring from all formats
Shakib has not returned to Bangladesh since the fall of the Awami League government, of which he was a lawmaker. He last represented the Tigers in Kanpur last year and had announced his retirement intentions ahead of that Test.
Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has reversed his Test and T20I retirement, revealing that he intends to end his international career after playing one final home series.
"Officially not retired," Shakib said during the Beard Before Wicket podcast on Sunday. "My plan is to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series – ODI, Test and T20I – and retire. That's the plan I have.
"I want to retire from all formats in a series, so it can start from T20I, then ODI and then Test, or Test–ODI–T20I. Either way, I'm fine," he added when asked about his plans.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Shakib has not returned to Bangladesh since the fall of the Awami League government, of which he was a lawmaker. He last represented the Tigers in Kanpur last year and had announced his retirement intentions ahead of that Test. He was expected to play his final Test against South Africa at home, but his homecoming took a drastic turn when he was unable to return due to security concerns.
Asked whether he still hoped to return to play, he said: "I am hopeful, I think it will happen."
Shakib also revealed that he has continued to feature in foreign franchise leagues primarily to maintain his fitness for a final spell with Bangladesh.
"That's the only reason I am playing," he said. The all-rounder added that he wanted to give something back to the supporters.
"It's just a nicer way to say bye to the crowds, to the fans. They have always supported me. So, to give something back to them, playing a home series with ODIs, Tests and T20Is – and then the chapter is closed," he concluded.
