Shamik Chakrabarty in Kanpur
The Kanpur Test against India, starting Friday, could be Shakib Al Hasan’s last in the longer format. Not that this is how Bangladesh’s greatest-ever cricketer wants to call time on his Test career. But the current situation in Bangladesh might force his hand.
“I am available for the series (against South Africa),” Shakib said at the pre-match presser. “Since there is a situation existing in the country, naturally not everything is dependent on me. I have discussed this with the BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) and have told them about my plans, especially in Test cricket. What I felt is that this series (in India) and the Test series at home against South Africa will be my last.”
Back in Bangladesh, Shakib reportedly has been named among 147 individuals accused in a murder case related to the August protests in the country. After the series in Pakistan, while his teammates returned home, the former Bangladesh captain flew to England and played County cricket for Surrey.
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“If there is an opportunity for me to go back to my country, the Mirpur Test will be my last in Test cricket,” said Shakib. Bangladesh will host South Africa for a two-Test series in October-November, and the 37-year-old, who has been the backbone of Bangladesh cricket for close to two decades, wants to have his last bow in front of his home crowd.
“This has been communicated to the board (BCB) and they are trying to make the best arrangements so that I can play, and feel secure,” said the all-rounder. “At the same time, I shouldn’t have any problem when I have to leave the country. The board is looking at it and relevant people are going to look at it, and I feel they already are. I feel they would give me a decision as per which I would be able to smoothly head to the country and then leave Test cricket.”
After making his Test debut in May 2007, Shakib has played 70 matches, scoring 4,600 runs, including five centuries, and taking 242 wickets. Over the last one-and-a-half years, however, he has been going through a slump. His batting average has gone down to 33.28 (career average 38.33) and his bowling average has shot up to 45.81 (career average 31.85). The veteran all-rounder probably has read the room and decided to call it quits.
He will leave T20Is as well.
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