Shakib Al Hasan, the former captain of the Bangladesh cricket team, has announced his plans to retire from international cricket in March 2025. Facing murder charges in Bangladesh, he has not returned home since the overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in August. Shakib expressed his desire to play one last Test series at home, but his return remains uncertain due to the current political situation. He confirmed that the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan would be his final international outing.
Regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket, Shakib has had a distinguished career with over 700 wickets and nearly 15,000 runs in international cricket. He played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s rise to becoming a serious contender in international cricket and was the driving force behind the team’s success. The veteran cricketer has also topped the ICC all-rounder rankings in all three formats simultaneously.
Despite the challenges and controversies that have surrounded his career, Shakib remains a beloved figure in Bangladeshi cricket. His departure will undoubtedly leave a void in the team, but he believes it is the right time to step down and allow new players to take the stage. With a few more matches left to play, fans will have the opportunity to witness the farewell of a true cricketing legend during the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
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