Bangladesh’s veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan stepped forward to address growing uncertainty about its international future.
Shakib Al Hasan clears the air about his future
Amid intense debate and speculation, the 39-year-old has made it clear that his priority is cricket, not politics, as he hopes for one last opportunity to represent his country.
The controversy started after Shakib’s recent interview in which he made statements interpreted through a political lens. His statement about continuing cricket while political activities were on hold quickly went viral and drew criticism from various sections of the public. Given his past association with the Awami League, the reaction was swift and sometimes harsh.
Acknowledging the confusion and backlash, Shakib decided to clarify his position through a detailed message on social media. He emphasized that he is firmly focused on the game and wants to do his best in the final phase of his career.
“Recently, one of my statements in the media has created a lot of discussion. I want to make it clear to everyone. Right now, I am focused only on cricket. In this last stage of my career, I want to give my best for the Bangladesh national team and if given the opportunity, I want to perform well for the country.” he wrote.
His words reflect both a sense of urgency and a desire to end his career on a positive note. For a player who has carried Bangladesh cricket for almost two decades, the idea of ​​a final chapter in national colors carries a deep emotional significance.
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Shakib’s desire to serve his country beyond cricket
While Shakib admitted that he is interested in contributing to the country outside of cricket, he made it clear that such ambitions are not his immediate focus. He spoke about the importance of politics in nation-building, while emphasizing that there are many ways to serve the country.
“Politics is very important for the development of a country. After finishing my cricket career, I want to contribute to the development of my country. But it should not be only through politics. It is possible to work for the country outside of politics. But yes, it can be easier to do these things through politics.” he explained.
This balanced perspective seemed aimed at calming the narrative around his intentions. By separating his cricketing goals from his political views, Shakib tried to focus on what he does best – performing on the field.
He ended his message on an emotional note, asking for support from his fans who want to write a fitting conclusion to his career.
“Hopefully I can finish my cricket career wearing the red and green jersey with a smile on my face. For that I am asking for prayers and love from all the people of Bangladesh.” he said.
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