Shakib Al Hasan always draws attention. This time around, it’s not where he’s playing that matters most, but what he’s set to accomplish.
Shakib Al Hasan will represent the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the 2025 edition of the CPL. With no conflicting international duty, he’s expected to play from the start of the tournament.
That gives him a shot at reaching two major career landmarks.
First, he sits at 493 wickets in T20 matches across formats. With just seven more, he’ll become only the second bowler in history to reach 700 wickets in all T20s, including both domestic and international games.
Second, Shakib is also close to a rare club of players with 450+ appearances in T20 cricket. He has already played 447 matches. Three more would equal 450. Four more, and he would pass England’s Jos Buttler, who has 451 appearances.
That would place Shakib among the top 10 most capped T20 players of all time.
More Than a Local Legend
Shakib’s name has long outgrown national comparisons. He’s been part of Bangladesh’s core for nearly two decades. But his influence has spread far beyond home.
He has already played for 22 different teams worldwide, across various leagues. This year, he adds another to the list.
The CPL is familiar territory for him. He’s featured in past seasons, and this year’s full-season opportunity may give him more space to showcase his all-round skill.
What Comes Next?
Shakib has reached a stage where every appearance adds something new to the record books. Whether it’s wickets, matches, or yet another jersey, each step tells part of a broader story.
It’s not clear how many more seasons Shakib will play. But right now, he’s still ticking boxes few others can reach.
And with the Caribbean heat rising, fans will be watching to see if Shakib leaves another mark—this time, on CPL’s pitch.
