Shakib Al Hasan Responds: "Judge Me by 18 Years or 6 Months

After the political upheaval in August last year, Shakib Al Hasan could not return to the country. He could not play for the Bangladesh team either. Many see the end of Shakib's international career. But Shakib's thoughts are different. He still cherishes the dream of playing for Bangladesh. The best cricketer in the history of the country wants to retire playing for Bangladesh.

Shakib Al Hasan spoke about his thoughts in an interview given to an English daily in Bangladesh. He was asked when he realized that he would no longer have the opportunity to play for Bangladesh? Shakib's answer was, 'When I realized that I could not play with so much pressure, that's when I felt it was over. It's not that I don't want to play for my country—I still want to play for Bangladesh, and this desire will always be there. I have contacted everyone from the BCB president to the top government officials about this.'

Shakib Al Hasan last played for Bangladesh in the Kanpur Test against India in September last year. During that tour of India in September-October, he announced that he would not play international T20s again. Shakib also announced his retirement from plain-clothes cricket with a Test against South Africa in Mirpur in October and expressed his desire to play in ODIs until the Champions Trophy.

I think I deserve the opportunity to play for Bangladesh and most people want me to retire from playing for the country and continue for a few more days. I believe I can play for another year or two.

Shakib Al Hasan

But due to political reasons, none of Shakib's wishes, a former Awami League MP, were fulfilled. At that time, Shakib was told that it would be better if he did not come to the country due to security risks. So Shakib did not come either.

But what if he cannot come to the country, the 38-year-old spin all-rounder has not given up his dream of playing for the country. In response to the same question, Shakib Al Hasan said at one point, 'Yes, I was a member of parliament but now I am not and I do not have any political position in any party. Isn't it offensive to stop the work that I have been doing for 18 to 20 years (playing for Bangladesh)? I still want to finish my career well by playing for Bangladesh. If there is a chance, I want to plan to play for one series, two series or another year.'

Shakib Al Hasan then clearly said, 'Playing for the country is my biggest desire and for that I am ready to give my all. This is my dream and I am doing everything to fulfill it - I am talking to the sports advisor, the chief advisor and the BCB president.'

Shakib Al Hasan has no complaints that the BCB could not help him return to the country. In an interview, Shakib Al Hasan said, "Everyone has their limitations." Shakib Al Hasan , who played cricket for Bangladesh for 19 years, also said, "You decide whether to judge me by the last 18 years or the last 6 months." However, Shakib Al Hasan believes that he deserves the opportunity to play for Bangladesh. "I think I deserve the opportunity to play for Bangladesh and most people want me to retire from playing for the country and continue for a few more years. I believe I can play for another year or two."