Shakib reverses Test and T20I retirement, plans farewell in home series

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan reversed his Test and T20I retirement and wished to retire from all formats of the game in a home series.

"Officially not retired," Shakib said during the Beard Before Wicket podcast on Sunday.

"My plan is to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series – ODI, Test and T20I – and retire. That's the plan I have," Shakib said. "I want to retire from all formats in a series, so it can start from T20I, then ODI and then Test, or Test-ODI-T20I. Either way, I'm fine." he added during the podcast when asked about his plans.

Shakib has not returned to the country since the fall of the Awami League government, of which he was a part of as a lawmaker. He last played for the Tigers in Kanpur last year and had announced his retirement plans ahead of that Kanpur Test. Shakib was set to play his final Test against South Africa at home but eventually his homecoming took a complete U-turn when he could not return to the country over security concerns.

"I am hopeful, I think it will happen," he said during the podcast when asked if he can return to play.

Shakib also revealed that he is playing in the foreign franchise leagues to keep himself fit to play for Bangladesh and retire.

"That's the only reason I am playing," he said.

The all-rounder felt he has something to give back to the fans.

"It's just a nicer way to say bye to the crowds, to the fans. They supported me always. So, to give something back to them, playing a home series at home, with ODIs, Tests and T20Is, and then the chapter is closed," he concluded.