New Delhi: Bangladesh premium all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan currently finds himself in a dark state concerning his near-ending career and a few final outings that he has wished to make before calling it quits from all formats of the game. Bangladesh will face Afghanistan next, in a three-match ODI series which is scheduled in the UAE from November 6. Shakib has desired to play in the Champions Trophy next year, and is open to feature in the ODIs for Bangladesh.
The 37-year-old announced his retirement from the T20Is and Test cricket during the Kanpur Test against India in September, although making a wish to play his final Test at home against South Africa. However, he didn’t return home to feature against the Proteas owing to security concerns. During the Bangladesh unrest, he was accused in a murder case while he played the Tests in India but the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) allowed him to play until he was proven guilty.
Even the board assured Shakib of his safety upon his homecoming to play against South Africa but later changed their stance, making sure that no unwanted instance took place during the Test series. Due to the unrest, even the ICC Women’s World Cup 2024 had to be shifted from Bangladesh to UAE. Shakib, who announced retirement from T20Is and Tests, now sets his eyes on the Champions Trophy 2025 with which he wishes to finish his international career.
As a result, he was expected to play the ODI series preceding the grand event which would also serve well for the preparation. After Afghanistan, Bangladesh will play West Indies in an ODI series.
What did Shakib say?
Talking to Cricbuzz, Shakib said that he is yet to be informed by the board regarding his next move. “How can I tell (about playing the AFG ODIs), BCB should tell about it,” Shakib said on Monday. As far as his stance is concerned, he is willing to play for Bangladesh if selected. Many section although believe that it would not be wise to pick him as he keeps joining the team from overseas.
As per Cricbuzz, even the selection panel of the BCB aren’t sure whether they can pick Shakib or not as they haven’t received a word on him from the BCB high officials who will be the only ones making the final call on the all-rounder.
