Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born on March 24, 1987, in Magura, Khulna, Shakib Al Hasan showed early promise in cricket, excelling both as a batsman and a bowler. He joined the Bangladesh national team in 2006, quickly establishing himself as a rare talent — a true all-rounder capable of winning matches with either bat or ball.
His left-handed batting and slow left-arm orthodox bowling made him a game-changer in every format. By the late 2000s, Shakib had become the face of Bangladesh cricket, often leading from the front in historic victories.
Career Highlights and Records
Shakib has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s cricket success:
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Tests: 71 matches, 4,600+ runs, 246 wickets
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ODIs: 247 matches, 7,500+ runs, 300+ wickets
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T20Is: 129 matches, 2,500+ runs, 140+ wickets
He is the only cricketer to score 6,000+ runs and take 250+ wickets in ODIs, and has been ranked world’s No. 1 all-rounder by the ICC multiple times.
Notably, during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, he became the first player in history to score 600+ runs and take 10 wickets in a single edition of the tournament.
Captaincy and Leadership
Shakib has captained Bangladesh in all three formats. His leadership helped Bangladesh become more competitive internationally, registering series wins over teams like West Indies and Zimbabwe. However, his captaincy was occasionally overshadowed by disciplinary issues, including fines and bans for outbursts and unsportsmanlike conduct.
Controversies and Bans
Despite his immense talent, Shakib’s career has not been free from controversy:
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2014: Banned for six months for disciplinary issues.
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2019: Suspended by the ICC for one year for failing to report corrupt approaches by a bookmaker.
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2024: Suspended by the ECB for an illegal bowling action while playing county cricket in England. Cleared in early 2025 after modifying his action.
These incidents have occasionally tarnished his image, though his performances have consistently brought him back into the limelight.
Political Career and Fallout
In 2023, Shakib made headlines by entering politics, aligning with the ruling Awami League party. He contested and won the Magura-1 parliamentary seat in the 2024 general elections.
However, this move triggered backlash as the political climate in Bangladesh shifted. After a controversial birthday wish to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2025, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) reportedly distanced itself from him, and unofficially declared him ineligible to represent the national team.
Shakib later issued a public apology for remaining silent during anti-government protests, but his international cricket future remains in jeopardy.
Franchise and League Cricket
Shakib continues to play in T20 franchise leagues around the world, including the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and other international competitions. His presence remains a draw for fans, and he still performs at a high level despite the uncertainty surrounding his national team career.
Legacy and Uncertain Future
Shakib Al Hasan’s name is synonymous with the golden era of Bangladeshi cricket. He has carried the team on his shoulders across formats, inspired young cricketers, and put Bangladesh on the global cricket map.
But now, as politics intertwines with sport, Shakib stands at a critical juncture. While his playing abilities remain intact, his international career may be over — not due to age or form, but political fallout.
Conclusion
Shakib Al Hasan’s story is one of brilliance, resilience, and controversy. Whether or not he returns to represent Bangladesh, his legacy as the country’s greatest all-rounder is secure. He remains a symbol of pride, ambition, and complexity in a cricketing nation that continues to evolve.
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