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As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the commencement of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, teams have started making their way to India to prepare for the prestigious tournament set to kick off on October 5. Among the teams gearing up for the global cricket extravaganza is Bangladesh, led by their seasoned captain, Shakib Al Hasan.
Bangladesh are all set to launch their campaign in the tournament with a match against Afghanistan on October 7 in Dharamsala, India. The Tigers, under Shakib’s leadership, are gearing up for this marquee event.
Shakib unveils his retirement plans
However, ahead of the ODI World Cup, Shakib has made a significant revelation about his future in international cricket. In an interview with T-Sports, Shakib delineated his retirement plans, indicating that the 2025 Champions Trophy could be his final assignment as an international cricketer.
The veteran all-rounder divulged that he intends to retire from T20 Internationals after the 2024 T20 World Cup, with his departure from Test cricket potentially following the upcoming ODI World Cup in India.
“The 2025 Champions Trophy for ODIs and the 2024 T20 World Cup for T20Is. Tests may be sooner. Maybe (after the World Cup). I will retire all at once, but I will stop playing each format one by one. I will announce my retirement after the 2025 Champions Trophy,” said Shakib.
Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023 – Shakib al Hasan addresses Tamim Iqbal’s allegations; advices him to follow Rohit Sharma-MS Dhoni for inspiration
Captaincy dilemma and decision
In the same interview, Shakib also shed light on his recent captaincy dilemma. He revealed that he had contemplated stepping down as the captain after returning from the Asia Cup earlier this month. However, after discussions with the team management, he decided to continue leading the side for the World Cup.
“I resigned from the captaincy on the 17th [of September]. I informed Papon bhai (BCB President Nazmul Hassan) and emailed the CEO that I don’t want to be the captain. The easiest thing to do for me would have been not to take the captaincy. When he offered me the job, I immediately told him I don’t want to do it in this situation. At this age, I didn’t want to take this pressure. I want to smile, enjoy my game, perform for Bangladesh. When I learned that the BCB, coach, and team management were unanimous in their decision about me, then I took the captaincy,” Shakib explained.
