After a first-class career spanning nearly two decades, domestic stalwart Shamsur Rahman Shuvo has retired from red-ball cricket following the recently concluded 27th National Cricket League (NCL). Interestingly, he had not planned to step away this season, but a particular dismissal during the tournament offered unexpected clarity. Finishing with 9,602 first-class runs, Shamsur reflected on his journey, satisfaction, disappointments, his views on Bangladesh’s domestic system, and his future plans in an interview with The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan. The excerpts are as follows:

"You are a great cricketer, a trusted friend and an even finer human being. Best wishes for your next chapter, dost [friend].”

With holders Sylhet drawing against Barishal and Mymensingh needing an improbable 201 runs with one wicket in hand against Rajshahi, Rangpur are all but certain to claim the four-day title for the first time since 2022–23.

Shamsur Rahman Shuvo hit 160 in the National Cricket League's third round as Sylhet Division dominated proceedings against Rangpur Division in a Tier 1 game at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna yesterday.