Shakib Al Hasan’s abrupt exit from the Kanpur Test against India has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The star all-rounder’s two-ball duck, potentially marking his final Test appearance, left fans and pundits alike questioning the suddenness of his departure.
Adding to the intrigue is the political backdrop surrounding Shakib’s future. The Bangladesh interim government has indicated that the former Member of Parliament must clarify his political stance before receiving security clearance to play in his final Test against South Africa. This has led to speculation that he might not return to Dhaka after the India series.
Mohammad Salahuddin, Shakib’s mentor and one of Bangladesh’s renowned coaches, expressed his disappointment, stating that he believed Shakib had more cricket left in him. “I get emotional when it comes to Shakib, since we have worked closely for a long time. I genuinely feel that there is still enough cricket left in him,” Salahuddin told Sportstar.
In an 18-year career, Shakib has amassed 4,609 Test runs and nearly 250 wickets. Despite his age, Salahuddin believes he could have continued playing for Bangladesh for several more years. “He still had age on his side and could have continued for another few years for Bangladesh and that could have helped the team as well. But I really can’t understand what made him take such a hasty decision,” Salahuddin lamented.
However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh’s current captain, clarified that Shakib’s decision was not unexpected. “Regarding Shakib bhai ’s decision to retire, we actually knew about it beforehand. It wasn’t something sudden. It’s a part of the process, and he discussed it with the team management and everyone involved,” Miraz stated.
While there were rumors of a farewell ceremony for Shakib in Kanpur, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla revealed that such plans were contingent upon official confirmation of Shakib’s final Test appearance.
Looking ahead, Salahuddin expressed a sense of longing for a proper send-off for Shakib, ideally in front of a home crowd in Mirpur. “That would have made all of us happy,” he said.
The air surrounding Shakib’s future remains heavy with uncertainty. While his Test career may be drawing to a close, the political complexities and the absence of a definitive statement from Shakib himself keep the speculation alive. This leaves fans wondering whether the star all-rounder’s international journey truly is over, or whether there might be another chapter yet to be written.
