Shakib denies ‘retirement’ talk

Shakib Al Hasan has denied talks about his retirement from Tests and ODIs on his return home as per the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) directive.

The all-rounder also said that there was a misunderstanding about the No-Objection Certificate (NOC).

The board had earlier asked Shakib to return home after he had left to take part in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) without an NOC.

The all-rounder was in London, from where he returned home, on his way to Barbados.

“I never want to get involved in any dispute. I want to play cricket, which is my passion. I love the game,” the left-hander told reporters on his arrival at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Sunday.

Shakib added that he loved to play for the country and wanted to be in the national team for at least 10 more years.

The all-rounder mentioned his mail to head coach Chandika Hathurusingha about retirement as a misunderstanding. He said, “Now I’m home and hope that everything will be clear.”

BCB President Nazmul Hassan, on Saturday, informed the media that Shakib had left Bangladesh without the NOC from the board.

The BCB boss also said that the 27-year-old mentioned in a mail to the head coach that he wanted to retire from Tests and ODIs since after he was asked to return.