Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan could yet fulfil his wish to retire from international cricket on home soil, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board taking steps that may allow him to play his farewell matches in the country. In a recent development, Bangladesh Cricket Board announced that they will consider Shakib for upcoming matches depending on his fitness and form.
The star all-rounder had last played in the national team colours in 2024 against India, and due to subsequent political and sporting conditions, was axed from the setup. However, support for his return to the Tigers has been building up. Two of Shakib’s former teammates, Imrul Kayes and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, have publicly backed the idea of him being given the opportunity to play his final matches in Bangladesh.
Speaking to reporters at an MKS Bat event on 28 January, Imrul, a long-time friend, former teammate and one-time business partner of Shakib, said he would make every effort to attend a farewell match, even though he is now settled in Australia.
“If Shakib comes back and plays in the country, I will try to come to the ground and watch, no matter where I am,” Imrul said.
Explaining his sentiment, Imrul added that watching Shakib’s retirement from the stands would carry special emotional weight. “I do not live in the country either, but there will be a feeling there. I will be able to watch Shakib’s retirement from the ground. I have played with him for a long time, we have a very good relationship. From every angle, I think Shakib deserves to retire from the country. I hope he can do that.”
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, also an MKS stakeholder, echoed those views and said a smooth and dignified farewell for Shakib would be a major gain for Bangladesh cricket.
“As a player, everyone wants to retire in a beautiful way,” Miraz said. “We know how much Shakib bhai has contributed. He is definitely a legendary player and has achieved so much for Bangladesh. If a legend like him can retire in a proper way, it will be a huge thing for the people of Bangladesh.”
Imrul said he remains in regular contact with Shakib, despite the all-rounder not having featured for the national side for some time. He added that Shakib continues to closely follow developments in Bangladesh cricket.
“I speak with Shakib almost every other day, about where he is and how things are,” Imrul said. “There is no problem with that. He is playing everywhere and enjoying himself, but he always keeps track of the country. He is very aware of where Bangladesh cricket stands and where it is heading.”
