Former Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has expressed his desire to play one final match and retire at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, the ground where his remarkable international career began.

In an interview with Cricbuzz, Shakib clarified that he has not officially retired from any format of international cricket.

“No, to be honest, I am not retired from any format officially,” he said.

Shakib, however, revealed his wish to end his career in front of his home fans.

“Yes, 100%. I think it's more for them than it is for me, and if that happens, that's the best thing that can happen to my fans and to me,” he added.

The 37-year-old has been largely absent from Bangladesh since the political change in the country on 5 August last year, which followed the July uprising. Several cases, including a murder case, were reportedly filed against him, preventing his return. As a result, the prospect of him rejoining the national team currently appears unlikely.

Shakib has faced harsh criticism from supporters over his silence during the quota reform movement. Addressing the backlash, he told Cricbuzz that his contributions to Bangladesh cricket were unprecedented and misunderstood by some sections of the media.

“I personally think those are made-up stories by some of the journalists, online news portals, which made people think like that, because no one else has done what I have done in Bangladesh. It was something new for them. It was difficult for them to digest. If someone else (brand endorsements) does it now, that doesn't affect them as much as it did with me, because I was the first one, and that's the good thing and the bad thing as well.”

Reflecting on the criticism he received, Shakib said it stemmed from a single incident that may have been misunderstood.

“I think that was just one moment that went against me. Maybe because they were expecting something else, and I was not in a position to do it, or I wasn't aware of the situation, to be honest. So, it was very difficult for me because I was far from home at that time. And that's the only time I think they went against me, and which I understand from their point of view, and I respect it as well. But I don't have any regret for that, but I think people are starting to understand it more and more now.”

Despite the controversies surrounding him, Shakib’s legacy as Bangladesh’s greatest all-rounder remains unmatched — and his wish to say goodbye at Sher-e-Bangla, where countless memories were made, continues to resonate deeply with his fans.