Shakib Al Hasan & Najmul Hossain Shanto (Source: AFP)
When it comes to Bangaldesh cricket, Shakib Al Hasan has been a topic of discussion for a while now. The 38-year-old, who last played for Bangladesh back in 2024, could return to cricket when Pakistan tour Bangladesh, starting from March 11 onwards.
However, things are not as easy as it appears to be for Shakib’s return. The veteran all-rounder, who played the Kanpur Test against India on his last Bangladesh return in 2024, hinted at retirement when South Africa came to Bangladesh after that.
Shakib even expressed his desire to play his retirement Test match in Mirpur. Nevertheless, he even wore his country’s jersey since then, and now it all depends on the man himself whether he wishes to make a comeback to international cricket.
Najmul Shanto Opens Up On Shakib Al Hasan Return
Bangladesh Test captain and current ODI deputy Najmul Hossain Shanto spoke about the idea of seeing Shakib Al Hasan back in national colours. After the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) final, Shanto expressed his feelings with all honesty, saying Shakib’s return could only improve Bangladesh’s strength in the playing XI.
“If Shakib bhai is in the side, the combination improves,” Shanto said, as quoted by BDCrictime. “If he comes back and plays, I believe he can still make a big impact for the team. It would be great if he returns. But if he doesn’t, we have to trust the players who are currently in the squad.”
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Changes In BCB Open Idea For Shakib Al Hasan Comeback
Shakib Al Hasan did not have a great relationship with the former BCB personnel. However, with Habibul Bashar taking charge as the new chief selector of Bangladesh, Shakib’s return could now happen anytime now, as quickly as the upcoming Pakistan series.
The Pakistan tour of Bangladesh will have only three ODIs on March 11, March 13, and March 15. All three ODIs will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur.
Shakib Al Hasan International Career In Numbers
Easily the greatest cricketer ever from Bangladesh, Shakib’s numbers are nothing but exceptional when it comes to comparing with his other compatriots. He has played 71 Tests so far, tallying 4609 runs at an average of 37.77 and picking up 246 wickets in red-ball cricket.
Moreover, Shakib has represented 247 ODIs – his most favourite international format. There, with one record after another, he became one of the best all-rounders ever, with 7570 runs 317 wickets speaking volumes.
Shakib’s T20I record is equally impressive, helping him get contracts from different T20 leagues’ teams. In T20Is, he has made 2551 runs in 129 matches and scalped 149 wickets, of which 43 came in T20 World Cups. Shakib has played the tournament since the beginning of it, back in 2007.
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