If everything goes well, Shakib Al Hasan will become the only Bangladeshi player to play all the T20 World Cup till date and it was officially confirmed when Bangladesh announced its 15-member squad for the showpiece event, to be held in Australia in October-November.
The journey of T20 World Cup started in South Africa in 2007 and Shakib was the important cog of Bangladesh team in that inaugural edition. Fifteen years later he still remains the vital cog of the team.
Mahmudullah Riyad also had the opportunity to be named in this list. Although he was considered for selection in the World Cup squad, he was ultimately not given a place in the 15-man squad. Besides, if Mushfiqur Rahim wouldn't have retired and would have included in the World Cup squad, there was a chance for him to sit next to Shakib.
Very few players in the world of cricket have such an achievement. India's Rohit Sharma, Dinesh Karthik and Shakib Al Hasan have survived so far.
Shakib made his debut for Bangladesh cricket in 2006. He and Mushfiqur were in Bangladesh's first T20 team against Zimbabwe in 2006. Mushfiqur quit T20 Internationals immediately after the Asia Cup. As a result, Shakib is the longest standing player now for Bangladesh in this format.
Bangladesh will play in the World Cup under the leadership of the left-handed spin all-rounder. He was also the captain of Bangladesh in the 2010 World Cup. Bangladesh lost both of the matches in that World Cup.
Shakib's personal achievement has been phenomenal despite Bangladesh's lack of success. He scored 698 runs at an average of 26.84 in 31 matches in T20 World Cup and so far has taken 41 wickets at an average of 17.29 in bowling.
He is one of the two cricketers who have scored more than 500 runs and at least 30 wickets in the T20 World Cup. Among the cricketers who continue to play, he is the one who reigns in this record. Retired former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi scored 546 runs and took 39 wickets.
