Desk Report: Former Bangladesh cricket stars Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal are set to face off in the upcoming Legend 90 Cricket League, a new tournament exclusively for retired international cricketers. The competition, scheduled for February in Raipur, India, promises to reignite their long-standing rivalry on the field.
Tamim, who announced his retirement from international cricket after a year-long hiatus, confirmed his participation in the tournament and will play for the Big Boys Unikari team. Meanwhile, Shakib has reportedly signed on to represent the Dubai Giants in the seven-team league.
The two cricketers, who have been central figures in Bangladesh’s cricketing history, have a complicated relationship. They were involved in a public dispute just before the 2023 ODI World Cup, and they have not spoken to each other in recent years. Despite this, their encounter on the field in Raipur will mark a highly anticipated renewal of their rivalry.
While Tamim has called time on his international career, Shakib has yet to announce his retirement plans. The all-rounder had previously stated that he would retire after the ICC Champions Trophy, but with his exclusion from the provisional 15-man squad for the event, it appears his retirement may be further delayed.
The pair last clashed in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) last year, and their upcoming showdown in India will be another exciting chapter in their storied cricket careers.