Star Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has no current plans of retirement and will look to play until 2027 if his team fails to win the World Cup 2023 title.
The 34-year-old, who is currently in India to play for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, added that if given a chance he would want to change the mentality of the Bangladesh cricket team.
The comments from Shakib come after, Bangladesh were whitewashed in both the ODI and T20I series on their New Zealand tour.
“In the year 2023. It’s my last World Cup. If Bangladesh don’t win, I will continue until 2027.
“I have no plans of retirement as of now. The prospects are open for the time being. When I will feel I’m not enjoying the sport anymore, then I will retire. And until the time I feel I am enjoying, I will continue.
“(If I get a chance) I want to change the mentality of the Bangladesh cricket team. I don’t wish to give an explanation on this now,” Shakib said in a Facebook Live interview with an e-commerce company.
The former Bangladesh captain returned to international cricket in the ODI series against West Indies this year. The southpaw was served a one-year ban for not reporting corrupt approaches from bookies on multiple occasions.
Shakib Al Hasan starred in the very first match and scalped 4 wickets after giving just 8 runs in his 7.2 overs to help the hosts beat West Indies by 6 wickets. He picked 2 wickets and scored unbeaten 43 runs in the 2nd ODI as Bangladesh took an unassailable lead. The Magura-born cricketer scored 51 in the final ODI as Bangla Tigers completed a 3-0 whitewash over the visitors.
Shakib featured in the 1st Test against West Indies as well but stayed out of action for most parts of the game due to a left-thigh injury. Later, he was ruled out of the 2nd Test.
The veteran of 57 Tests, 209 ODIs and 76 T20Is has received a NOC from BCB to play in the IPL 2021 in his quest to be better prepared for the upcoming T20 World Cup which will be held in India. He will miss the 2-match Test series against Sri Lanka which is scheduled to start from April 21.
