Shakib Al Hasan has expressed a desire to return to international cricket for a farewell series at home, a surprising shift from his earlier decision to retire from T20Is and Tests. The veteran all-rounder, who stepped away from the two formats after Bangladesh’s tour of India last year, has not been part of the national setup recently and has faced controversies and legal disputes off the field.

Now, he hopes to bid goodbye to cricket in front of home fans by playing one final series across all three formats.

Shakib Al Hasan wants one last series before retirement

Speaking on the Beard Before Wicket podcast with Moeen Ali, Shakib revealed that he has continued to train not for a long-term comeback, but solely to remain fit enough for a farewell series in Bangladesh. He also clarified that he never officially retired from all formats and that this was the first time he was publicly confirming his intention.

“I am hopeful of returning to Bangladesh and retiring in front of my home crowd. That’s why I’m playing to stay fit and be available for international cricket,” Shakib said on the podcast.

The former Bangladesh captain stated that he wants to play a complete series of Tests, ODIs and T20Is before finally hanging up his boots. His comments come months after Bangladesh’s sports adviser claimed that Shakib would not be selected for the national team again, following the cricketer’s public birthday message to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

“My plan is to return, play one full series ODI, Test and T20 and retire from all formats. It could start with any format, I’m fine with that. I just want one final series before I stop for good,” he added.

If granted, this would mark one of the most highly anticipated farewells in Bangladesh cricket history.