Shakib Al Hasan announces retirement from Tests, Mirpur game against South Africa to be last

Veteran Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan was doubtful for the second Test against India, to be held at the Green Park Stadium, in Kanpur. Notably, he was reported to have sustained a finger injury and later it was revealed that he would be featured in the clash. Ahead of the Kanpur tussle, Shakib announced that he would be retiring from the longest format of the game. 

The all-rounder revealed that during the upcoming home Test match series against South Africa, the Mirpur Test will be his last dance in the format. The 37-year-old has represented Bangladesh in whites in 70 games. He has scored 4600 runs at an average of 38.33 and a highest score of 217. He has been clinical with the ball having picked 242 wickets at an average of 31.85 and has picked 10-wicket haul twice.

After the Kanpur Test, Bangladesh will play three T20Is against India before ending their tour on October 12, with the final T20I of the series. They will then tour West Indies for two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. South Africa were unsure of touring Bangladesh as the country is embroiled in political riots, but Shakib affirming his retirement has also given away the potential schedule of a game from the tour. Apart from Tests, the southpaw also confirmed that he will bid adieu to ODI cricket as well after the conclusion of the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled for next year.

"I have expressed my desire to play my last Test in Mirpur, if that won’t happen, the second Test against India would be my last. Going back to Bangladesh is not a concern, but leaving Bangladesh once I go there is dangerous," said Shakib during the press conference ahead of the second Test against India, starting on September 27.

“It feels fitting to conclude my Test career in front of my home fans. Bangladesh cricket has given me so much, and I want to give my last in this format at home,” the 37-year-old further added.

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Shakib made his Test debut against India

Shakib Al Hasan made his Test debut in 2007 against India at the age of 20. In December 2021, he scored 63 runs batting in the second innings against Pakistan and was only the sixth player to complete a double of 4,000 runs and 200 wickets in Tests.

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During the first Test against India in Chennai on September 19, he became the oldest Bangladesh cricketer, at the age of 37, from his nation to feature in a Test match.