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Shakib Al Hasan Reverses Retirement: ‘Not Retired from All Formats’

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'I am officially not retired from all formats' - Shakib al Hasan

The cricket world has been thrown into a whirlwind of speculation and excitement after a bombshell announcement from one of its most enigmatic figures. Shakib Al Hasan, the talismanic former captain of Bangladesh, has officially reversed his retirement from Test and T20I cricket, declaring, “I am officially not retired from all formats.” This revelation not only clears the air on months of rumors but also sets the stage for a dramatic and emotional finale to one of the game’s most illustrious careers.

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The Retirement Reversal: Setting the Record Straight

For over a year, fans and analysts have been left guessing about the future of Bangladesh’s greatest all-rounder. Following a period of absence from the international scene, whispers of a permanent retirement grew louder. Now, Shakib Al Hasan himself has stepped in to quash those rumors. In a definitive statement, he declared, “I am officially not retired from all formats. This is the first time I’ll be revealing that” .

This announcement is a direct reversal of his earlier stance and provides a crucial update for anyone tracking the Shakib Al Hasan retirement saga. His clarification is not just a simple denial; it’s a carefully laid-out plan for his final bow on the international stage.

The Birthday Wish Ban and Security Concerns

Shakib’s absence from international cricket wasn’t due to a simple loss of form or motivation. His exile was the result of a complex political and security situation that unfolded in late 2025. The catalyst was a seemingly innocuous social media post: a birthday wish to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina .

This gesture, however, ignited a fierce political controversy in Bangladesh. The current government, through its sports advisor Asif Mahmud, responded swiftly and harshly. Shakib was effectively barred from the national team, with reports suggesting a potential lifetime ban . The situation was further exacerbated by reported security concerns for the player, keeping him away from his teammates and the fans who adore him .

This ban placed his entire career in jeopardy and cast a dark shadow over his potential return, making his recent statement all the more significant.

The Grand Finale: The Plan for One Last Series

Shakib Al Hasan isn’t just making a comeback for the sake of it. He has a very specific and poignant vision for his farewell. His goal is to play one final, complete bilateral series for Bangladesh, featuring matches in all three formats: ODI, Test, and T20I.

“My plan is to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series of ODI, Test, and T20, and retire. I mean, [I can] retire from all formats in a series,” he explained . This plan represents a desire for a proper send-off, a chance to say goodbye to the game and his supporters on his own terms, across the entire spectrum of international cricket.

This is a stark contrast to a drawn-out, format-by-format retirement. His vision is for a single, definitive chapter to close his incredible story. It’s a plan that prioritizes closure and celebration over a prolonged and potentially messy exit.

Shakib Al Hasan’s Enduring Legacy

Before looking ahead, it’s impossible not to reflect on what makes Shakib’s potential final series so monumental. He is, without question, Bangladesh’s most complete cricketer. His ability to dominate with both bat and ball in all formats is a rare feat in the modern game.

His career stats are a testament to his world-class talent, and his leadership on the field has inspired a generation of cricketers in his home country. A Shakib Al Hasan comeback for a last hurrah isn’t just about cricket; it’s about national pride and celebrating a sporting hero whose impact transcends the boundary ropes. For fans, this is a chance to witness history one final time.

What’s Next for Shakib and Bangladesh Cricket?

The immediate question on everyone’s mind is simple: will it happen? For Shakib to execute his Shakib Al Hasan final series plan, the political and administrative hurdles that led to his ban must be overcome. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the government will need to find a resolution that allows the country’s biggest star to return home for his farewell.

His return would be a massive boost for the team’s morale and a huge draw for fans, potentially revitalizing interest in the national side. However, the situation remains delicate. Until an official schedule is announced and the ban is formally lifted, his grand finale remains a hopeful ambition rather than a confirmed fixture on the calendar.

For now, fans can only wait and hope that the powers that be recognize the importance of giving a legend like Shakib a proper send-off. You can stay updated on all future Bangladesh fixtures and potential announcements by checking our comprehensive [INTERNAL_LINK:bangladesh-cricket-fixtures] page.

Summary

In a definitive move to end months of speculation, Shakib Al Hasan has clarified that he is not officially retired from international cricket in any format. His extended absence was due to a ban following a controversial birthday wish to a former prime minister and associated security concerns. His new and clear intention is to return to Bangladesh for one final, full bilateral series encompassing ODIs, Tests, and T20Is before retiring from all formats simultaneously. While the political will to make this happen is still uncertain, the cricketing world now knows exactly what the legendary all-rounder desires for the end of his remarkable career.

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