Bangladesh ex-skipper Shakib Al Hasan announces international retirement

Bangladesh former skipper Shakib Al Hasan, facing prosecution for his relationship with the country’s former leader, announced on Thursday that he would retire from international cricket by March next year.

The Bangladesh all-rounder is facing murder charges along with dozens of other members of ex-premier Sheikh Hasina’s party who have been accused of culpability in a deadly police crackdown on protesters.

The 37-year-old has not returned to Bangladesh since the toppling of her government last month in a student-led revolution.

Next year’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan will be my last international outing, he announced.

But Shakib added that he wanted to return home for a slated two-Test series against South Africa, and had asked the Bangladesh Cricket Board if he could come back.

“It’s my desire, I have said this to BCB and the selectors,” Shakib told reporters ahead of Friday’s second Test against India in Kanpur.

“They agreed with me, that they are trying to organise everything if possible, so that I can go back to Bangladesh, play those two Test matches in Mirpur and finish my Test career there.”

He added: “If that doesn’t happen maybe this is my last one.”

“I am a citizen of Bangladesh, so I shouldn’t have any problem going back to Bangladesh,” he said.

“My concern is my safety and security in Bangladesh. My close friends and family members are concerned. I hope things are getting better.”

The veteran player has represented Bangladesh in 70 Tests, 247 ODIs and 129 T20 matches since his international debut in 2006.