In a career filled with remarkable achievements, Bangladesh’s cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan has once again etched his name in the history books. During the Caribbean Premier League 2025, Shakib became the fifth player to complete 500 wickets in T20 cricket, joining an exclusive club that showcases the finest bowling talents in the shortest format.
The Historic Milestone: A Moment of Excellence
Playing for Antigua & Barbuda Falcons against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Shakib stormed into the prestigious list after picking up three crucial wickets. This achievement comes at a unique time in the veteran all-rounder’s career, as he continues to showcase his exceptional skills on the global stage while dealing with various challenges off the field.
What makes this milestone even more special is the exclusive nature of the 500-wicket club. Shakib now joins an elite group that includes Rashid Khan (660 wickets), Dwayne Bravo (631), Sunil Narine (590), and Imran Tahir (554).
Breaking Down the Elite 500 T20 Wickets Club
| Rank | Player | Total T20 Wickets | Country | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rashid Khan | 660 | Afghanistan | Leg-spin |
| 2 | Dwayne Bravo | 631 | West Indies | Medium pace |
| 3 | Sunil Narine | 590 | West Indies | Off-spin/Mystery |
| 4 | Imran Tahir | 554 | South Africa | Leg-spin |
| 5 | Shakib Al Hasan | 500+ | Bangladesh | Left-arm spin |
The Unique Double: A Record That Stands Alone
While joining the 500-wicket club is impressive enough, Shakib’s achievement transcends mere bowling excellence. He is now the only player in T20 history to have completed the extraordinary double of 7000 runs and 500 wickets. This unprecedented all-round achievement highlights why Shakib is considered one of the greatest all-rounders in modern cricket.
The closest anyone has come to this incredible feat is Dwayne Bravo, who ended his career with 6970 runs and 631 wickets. This statistic alone demonstrates the rarity and significance of Shakib’s accomplishment.
Career Breakdown: A Journey of Consistency
On his path to this landmark, Shakib picked up 149 wickets each in Bangladesh colors and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), showcasing his consistent performance across different formats and competitions. His ability to adapt and excel in various T20 leagues worldwide has been instrumental in reaching this milestone.
The veteran’s journey to 500 wickets spans multiple continents and competitions, from the high-pressure environment of international cricket to the glitz and glamour of franchise leagues. His left-arm orthodox spin has troubled batsmen across all conditions, making him one of the most sought-after players in T20 cricket.
Current Context: Excellence Amid Challenges
This landmark comes at a strange moment in Shakib’s life; tangled in controversy back home, he is settled in the USA, and playing in the CPL after years away. Despite the off-field challenges, his on-field excellence remains undiminished, proving that class is indeed permanent.
The 38-year-old continues to defy age and circumstances, delivering match-winning performances when his team needs them most. His recent exploits in the CPL 2025 demonstrate that his appetite for success remains as strong as ever.
What This Means for Bangladesh Cricket
As the first Bangladesh bowler to pick 500 T20 wickets, Shakib has once again pioneered a path for his countrymen to follow. His achievement serves as inspiration for upcoming cricketers from Bangladesh and establishes the nation’s presence in elite T20 statistics.
The milestone also reinforces Bangladesh’s growing influence in world cricket, with Shakib leading the charge as their most successful international cricketer across all formats.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy in the Making
With Shakib having announced his retirement from T20Is and confirming his retirement from international cricket after the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, this milestone adds another layer to his remarkable legacy. As he approaches the twilight of his international career, achievements like these cement his status as one of cricket’s modern greats.
The question now is whether he can add more wickets to his tally in the remaining franchise competitions, potentially reaching the 550-wicket mark and climbing higher in the all-time T20 bowling rankings.
Also read- BCCI Parts Ways with Team India’s 15-Year Veteran: The Unsung Hero’s Journey Ends
