When the media learnt that it was Shakib Al Hasan who would arrive for the pre-match interaction on the eve of the second Test match, the excitement was quite palpable because, after the fall of the Awami League government in Bangladesh,

Shakib, who has played for Bangladesh for 19 years, told the selectors and the national cricket board (BCB) this week of his pending test retirement, and his immediate retirement from Twenty20s. He wants to continue in one-day internationals until the Champions Trophy in February in Pakistan.

"I have played my last T20 match in T20 World Cup. We have discussed this with the selectors. Looking at the 2026 World Cup, this is the right time for me to move out. Hopefully, BCB will find some great players and we will perform well,

Shakib Al Hasan has announced his retirement from T20Is, and hinted at calling time on his Test career following the match in Kanpur against India.

Shakib’s announcement comes a day before his team’s second Test against India at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.

Initially, the media conference went along predicted lines with the Indian media sticking to questions related to the second Test in Kanpur

Shakib Al Hasan, a prominent figure in Bangladesh cricket for 15 years, is facing scrutiny due to competition from younger players and a persistent finger injury. Coach Chandika Hathurusinghe dismisses speculation about Shakib’s position,