What Happened to Shakib Al Hasan? Why Is He No Longer Playing International Cricket?

Shakib Al Hasan is widely seen as one of the greatest cricketer in Bangladesh’s history. For almost 20 years, he was one of the most important players in the national team. He is also the only player to be ranked No. 1 all rounder in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is at the same time.

The last time he played an international match for Bangladesh was in the Kanpur Test against India in September 2024. Since then, he has not been selected.

How Shakib Al Hasan International Cricket Career Came to a Sudden Halt

In early 2024, Shakib entered politics while still playing cricket. He became a Member of Parliament for the Awami League party led by Sheikh Hasina.

Large student protests took place across Bangladesh in 2024 against Sheikh Hasina’s government. Shakib stayed silent during the protests and continued playing overseas cricket. Hasina later resigned and left the country in August 2024.

After the change in government, legal cases were filed against several people linked to the former government. Shakib was also named in a murder case related to the death of a protester. He also faced corruption and financial issues.

There was growing anger against Shakib in Bangladesh. He wanted to return to Dhaka to play his final Test match, but there were concerns about protests and security problems. He was advised not to travel to Bangladesh and stayed outside the country.

Shakib Al Hasan has repeatedly said that he wants to return to Bangladesh and play his final series. However, recently, Aminul Haque, the State Minister for Youth and Sports, said that Shakib cannot return to Bangladesh or international cricket normally because of his links to the previous government.

“We had been looking at the matter with considerable flexibility and tolerance. After this, I do not think there is any room to think that way anymore,” Haque said in a statement.

Even though Shakib no longer plays international cricket, he still plays in T20 leagues around the world. Meanwhile, Bangladesh are getting strong for World Cup 2027 with their pace resources after Shakib’s departure.

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Shakib Al Hasan International Career Numbers

Shakib Al Hasan had a successful international career. He played 71 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 127 T20Is for his country.

In Test cricket, Shakib scored 4,609 runs at an average of 37.77. He hit five centuries and 31 half centuries. With the ball, he took 246 wickets.

His ODI numbers were even more impressive. Shakib scored 7,570 runs at an average of 37.29, with nine centuries and 56 half centuries. He also took 317 wickets in the format.

In T20Is, Shakib scored 2,551 runs and made 13 half centuries. He also took 149 wickets.

Shakib is the first and only cricketer to score more than 14,000 runs and take over 700 wickets in international cricket. He is also the only all rounder to score more than 1,000 runs and take 100 wickets in all three international formats.

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