Shakib Al Hasan retires from T20Is, confirms final Test appearance
Bangladesh's veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has retired from T20I cricket with immediate effect. Shakib announced the same while addressing the media ahead of Bangladesh's 2nd Test against India in Kanpur. The 37-year-old also revealed that he will play his last Test in the impending series against South Africa at home. Notably, Shakib is expected to represent Bangladesh in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Most wickets in T20 World Cup
Shakib played for Bangladesh in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. The side reached the Super 8s, but a defeat to Afghanistan ended their campaign. Nevertheless, Shakib bowed out as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament's history. The left-arm spinner remains the only player with 50+ wickets in the T20 World Cup. He took 50 wickets from 43 games at 20.12.
Shakib's form in Tests
Shakib has been in a downward spiral in Test cricket. During Bangladesh's historic Test series victory in Pakistan, he scored only 15, 2, and 21 in his three outings. His scores in the previous T20 and First-Class matches against various opponents were also low. In the 1st Test against India, Shakib could not bowl a maiden over across two innings, leaking runs aplenty.
A look at his international career
In a career spanning 17 years, Shakib has scored 4,600 runs from 70 Tests at an average of 38.33. His tally includes five tons. He also has 242 Test wickets to his name, including 19 five-wicket hauls. Shakib owns 7,570 runs and 317 wickets in ODI cricket. He has nine tons in the format. Besides, Shakib has 149 wickets and 2,551 runs in T20Is.
Final two Tests for Shakib
As mentioned, South Africa will visit Bangladesh to play a two-match Test series in October this year. This will mark the final two matches for Shakib in the format. Shakib will likely bid adieu to ODIs at the Champions Trophy next year.
