Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan after the press conference in Kanpur (Express Photo by Pratyush Raj)Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said he wants to play his last match in Bangladesh in Mirpur against South Africa only if given a secure passage to leave the country; else the Kanpur Test will be his last.
“Its my desire to play my last Test match in Mirpur,” Shakib told reporters on the eve of the second Test match between India and Bangladesh.
Bangladesh are hosting South Africa for a two-match series in October and the 37-year-old is hopeful that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will take care of the security concerns.
Shakib Al Hasan has been named as one of the accused in connection with an alleged murder that took place during the recent protests and violence in Bangladesh which left thousands dead.
“Since there is a situation existing in the country, naturally not everything is dependent on me. I have discussed this with the BCB and have told them about my plans, especially in Test cricket,” he said.
“What I felt is that this series [in India] and the Test series at home against South Africa will be my last series. That was what I was thinking and that’s how I communicated about it with Faruque bhai and the selectors.
“If there is an opportunity for me to go back to the country, Mirpur Test will be my last in Test cricket,” he added.
The Indian Express understands that Shakib has given in writing to the current regime that he will only play one Test match in Bangladesh and after that, he will move to the US with his family with a promise of never coming back.
“These things has been communicated with the board and they are trying to make the best arrangement so that I can play, and feel secure. At the same time, I don’t have any problem when I have to leave the country.”
It is not just Test cricket that Shakib is set to leave. He further informed that he will not be playing the T20 format as he feels it is time to move on from the format.
“In T20I I have similar thoughts, even if it’s a bit unrelated, I want to say that I have talked to selectors, board president and others. I feel it is the right time for me to move on from T20 cricket. In the next few series, some new players should come and be given the opportunity.”
He did leave the door open for a comeback. “If I play franchise league and do well and the BCB feels in six months or a year that I have a chance to contribute in T20s and performing, staying fit then we can decide. At this moment I don’t see myself in T20s. So basically you can say that in two formats, I am seeing my last,” he said.
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