Bangladesh’s most celebrated-turned-infamous cricketer, Shakib Al Hasan, has announced his immediate retirement from T20I cricket. This decision comes just ahead of the Kanpur Test against India and marks a significant moment in his illustrious career. Shakib has also stated that the upcoming Dhaka Test against South Africa in October will be his last appearance in international cricket.
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Key Points:
- Political and Legal Turmoil: Shakib’s retirement coincides with a tumultuous phase in his life, both personally and politically. His political involvement as a member of parliament under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been controversial, especially after the fall of the Awami League and subsequent civil unrest in Bangladesh.
- Legal Challenges: Shakib faces serious legal issues, including multiple charges that have prevented him from returning to Bangladesh. Notably, while on tour in Pakistan, he was charged with the murder of a garment factory worker in Dhaka on August 23. Instead of returning with his team, he opted to travel to England, complicating his situation further.
- Financial Penalties: Adding to his woes, Shakib has been penalized by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission with a fine of 5 million Taka for allegedly manipulating stock prices. He faces accusations of breaching the Securities Act, specifically for his role in artificially inflating share values in the stock exchange.
These legal and political challenges have overshadowed Shakib’s cricketing achievements, casting a shadow over his retirement announcement and marking a significant transition in his life away from cricket.
