For many of us who began following cricket in the early ‘90s, Bangladesh’s rise to international prominence was slow and often frustrating.
The memory of sitting with neighbourhood seniors, listening to the radio commentary, as Bangladesh chased dreams of qualifying for the World Cup in 1997, is etched in my childhood.
At that time, Bangladesh cricket struggled to make its mark on the world stage. Despite flashes of potential, we lacked international-quality players, and the local cricket structure didn’t nurture the talent we so desperately needed.
Then, in 2006, a young Shakib Al Hasan emerged, and with him came a new dawn for Bangladesh cricket.
He wasn’t just a player; he was the embodiment of every dream we had for our country on the global stage. He was a fearless all-rounder who would change the game for Bangladesh forever.
Shakib became a symbol of possibility in a world where our team often struggled to find its footing.
Over 18 unforgettable years, Shakib rose to become not just the finest cricketer Bangladesh has ever produced by some margin, but one of the greatest all-rounders the game has ever seen.
His achievements are staggering. Whether it was his magical 7 for 36 against New Zealand in 2008, his century and 10-wicket haul in a single Test match, or his record-shattering 606 runs and 11 wickets in the 2019 World Cup, Shakib was a constant beacon of brilliance.
He didn’t just break records; he set them.
He became the first Bangladeshi to score over 2,000 runs and take 100 wickets in ODIs, and his tally of more than 14,000 runs and 700 wickets in international cricket is a feat that may never be surpassed.
Shakib’s presence on the field was electrifying. He was the player who could turn the game around single-handedly, the leader who carried the weight of a nation’s expectations on his shoulders.
When Shakib played, we believed anything was possible.
But beyond the statistics, Shakib represented something far more profound for Bangladesh cricket. He gave us pride. He made us believe that we could compete with the best, that we weren’t just participants but contenders.
Cricket in Bangladesh is divided into two eras -- before Shakib and after Shakib. He was the heart and soul of our cricketing dreams, and his impact will echo through generations.
Yet, like every hero, Shakib’s journey was not without its trials.
His brilliance on the field was sometimes marred by controversies off it. From clashes with umpires and unruly behaviour to the heartbreak of a two-year suspension for failing to report corrupt approaches in 2019, Shakib’s career was as tumultuous as it was dazzling.
These incidents tested our loyalty, but they never dimmed the love we had for him. Because behind every misstep, there was a man who, like all of us, was flawed -- but who always found his way back to the game, to the country, and to the fans who adored him.
Thank you, Shakib. For every breathtaking century, for every match-winning spell, and for every time you made us believe that Bangladesh could conquer the world
Shakib’s most recent years were marked by further controversy, including a brief foray into politics under the deeply unpopular regime of Sheikh Hasina, which led to his involvement in scandalous elections and legal troubles.
While playing cricket in Canada, Shakib watched as his political career collapsed amidst a revolution that ousted the former premier.
For many, this chapter added a layer of complexity to an already multifaceted legacy. Yet, through all the challenges, one thing has remained constant -- Shakib’s ability to rise above it all, his refusal to let anything stand between him and the game that defined him.
Perhaps that’s what made him so special to us. Shakib was more than his records, more than his controversies -- he was human. He stumbled, but he always got back up, fighting harder, playing better, giving us moments we will treasure for a lifetime.
In 2023, when Bangladesh fell short in the World Cup under his leadership, it was easy to focus on the losses, but for those who have watched his entire journey, we know that Shakib’s legacy is not one of defeat, but of enduring hope.
He gave us victories we had never imagined and made us believe in miracles.
With Shakib Al Hasan looking to retire from international cricket, there is a deep sense of loss. He has been our hero, our champion, and our greatest ever.
But there’s also gratitude -- immense gratitude for the joy he brought to millions, for the pride he instilled in every Bangladeshi, and for the dreams he made possible.
Thank you, Shakib. For every breathtaking century, for every match-winning spell, and for every time you made us believe that Bangladesh could conquer the world.
You may have had your struggles, but you never stopped fighting, and that resilience is what we will always remember. Bangladesh Cricket will go on, but it will never quite be the same without you.
As you step away from the game that defined you and, in turn, defined a nation, know that your legacy will endure in every young cricketer who dares to dream.
We will miss you, but we will never forget what you gave us -- because you didn’t just play for Bangladesh; you were Bangladesh.
Anando Mostofa is Deputy News Editor, Dhaka Tribune.
