(ICC X)
Bangladesh’s seasoned all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, joins Indian captain Rohit Sharma as the only player to feature in all nine editions of the ICC T20 World Cup since its inception in 2007.
Shakib’s wealth of experience promises to be invaluable as Bangladesh prepares for the upcoming 20-over spectacle set to unfold in the USA and the West Indies.
As the tournament draws near, Shakib expresses his satisfaction at having been part of every T20 World Cup to date. Contrary to earlier speculations about retiring from the 20-over format, he reveals his eagerness to represent his nation once more in the subsequent 2026 edition of the event.
“Firstly, when I started I didn’t expect that I would play for so long and secondly since the start of the T20 Cricket World Cup till this T20 World Cup, I have participated in all of them along with Rohit Sharma,” the 37-year-old said.
“It is a matter of pride for me and I’m happy that I could represent the country,” he added.
Despite the desire to prolong his career even further, Shakib said he was zoned in on helping his side perform well in North America at the upcoming campaign.
“Me and Rohit Sharma are the only two players who played all the T20 World Cups and I hope that I can play another World Cup but before that would like to perform well in the tournament and Bangladesh can do better than the previous T20 tournament,” he said.
Shakib opined that the wickets in the USA would suit his side citing their similarity to home turfs.
“It is alright that the USA is my second home but it is difficult to say. However, I think we will get that because earlier when we played in the West Indies and America we did well and we played in Florida we did well,” said Shakib.
“We always get favour there because those pitches are quite similar to ours back home. I hope we will get an advantage in both places,” he said.
Shakib is the leading wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup with 47 wickets in 36 matches and will look to add to his tally in the USA and the Caribbean.
