If Bangladesh don’t win in 2023, I will play in the 2027 World Cup: Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan, the Bangladesh all-rounder, wishes to play in the 2027 World Cup if the Tigers fail to win the 2023 edition of the mega event. Shakib was a vital cog of his team in the 2019 World Cup, though Bangladesh couldn’t make the semis. In eight games in the tournament, the left-hander notched 606 runs at an average of 86.57 with two centuries and five half-centuries.

The southpaw also picked up 11 wickets, including a five-wicket haul against Afghanistan. Though New Zealand’s Kane Williamson became the Player of the Tournament, Shakib was one of the contenders to win the award.

“In the year 2023. It’s my last World Cup. If Bangladesh don’t win, I will continue until 2027,” Shakib was quoted as saying in an interview with Daraz.

Shakib Al Hasan not planning to retire as of now

The cricketer from Magura, Jessore turned 34 last month, but he doesn’t have any plans of hanging his boots from the highest level.

“I have no plans of retirement as of now. The prospects are open for the time being. When I will feel I’m not enjoying the sport anymore, then I will retire. And until the time I feel I am enjoying, I will continue,” Shakib added.

Shakib also spoke on the current Bangladesh team and wishes to bring changes in the mindset of the Tigers. His comments came after the Tigers lost all their six matches on the tour of New Zealand. After getting whitewashed in the T20Is, Bangladesh lost the three T20Is as well.

“(If a get a chance) I want to change the mentality of the Bangladesh cricket team. I don’t wish to give an explanation on this now,” he added.

Shakib also ran into a controversy with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) after he chose to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the Test series against Sri Lanka. The BCB also contemplated reconsidering his NOC, but in the end, upheld it.

Shakib is set to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL after being brought at a price of INR 3.2 crores. He, recently, became the father of a third child with his wife Umme Ahmed Shishir.