Speculation has intensified about whether Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s Test career is over, following the Kanpur Test against India.
Shakib had previously hinted that his final Test match would be at home in Mirpur against South Africa. However, several factors have made his future uncertain in the longest format.
Shakib expressed concerns about his safety due to political unrest in Bangladesh. He was implicated in a murder case tied to anti-government protests, which has raised doubts about his return to the country.
Shakib even left for the United States after the Kanpur Test, fueling rumors that the match may have been his last Test appearance.
Despite this, Shakib has confirmed he will retire from Test cricket following the Mirpur Test, assuming it goes ahead as planned. He remains uncertain about his safety in Bangladesh but hopes to conclude his Test career on home soil.
He has already retired from T20Is and plans to play his final ODI tournament in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The cricket world awaits a final decision, but the uncertainty surrounding his safety means Shakib’s Test career might have effectively ended with the Kanpur match.
BDST: 1428 HRS, OCT 02, 2024
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