Bangladesh cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan has offered a candid reflection on friendship and trust, stating that the idea of a “best friend” no longer holds meaning for him at this stage of life. Speaking at a recent event in the United States, the 38-year-old all-rounder opened up about his personal experiences both on and off the field.
“It’s hard to make someone your best friend,” said Shakib. “You should make your best friend outside of cricket. I have many good friends in cricket, but outside of cricket, I have very few trustworthy friends whom I can truly trust. At this age, I’ve realised one thing — there’s no such thing as a best friend. The friend you can trust is your best friend.”
Earlier in his career, Shakib had publicly called former opening batter Tamim Iqbal his best friend. However, that close bond appeared to deteriorate over the years, with tensions between the two senior players becoming increasingly visible. At one point, their strained relationship drew more attention than their long-standing camaraderie, leading many to regard them as rivals rather than companions.
Despite the rift, traces of mutual respect have endured. When Tamim was hospitalised with heart complications several months ago, Shakib — though overseas at the time — sent his parents, Mashroor Reza and Shirin Sharmin, to visit him and convey his well wishes. Tamim later expressed his appreciation for the thoughtful gesture upon his recovery.
While acknowledging the distance that has developed, Shakib was keen to clarify his current view of the relationship. “I’ve played with Tamim and Mushfiq bhai since the Under-19 level. We’ve played cricket for 20–25 years, very closely. From that perspective, I would say we’ve spent the most time together in cricket. They are also my good friends,” he said.
With Tamim Iqbal now retired from international cricket and Shakib absent from the national team due to political issues, the two stalwarts are unlikely to share the field again. Yet, their shared history as pillars of Bangladesh cricket remains a testament to an era shaped by their contributions — and a reminder that while friendships may evolve, respect can still endure.