Shakib Al Hasan in Asia’s All-Time Greatest XI

The name that has put Bangladesh on the world cricket map is Shakib Al Hasan. Now, he has earned a place in one of cricket’s most prestigious lists—ESPNcricinfo’s All-Time Greatest Asia T20 XI.

The 17th edition of the Asia Cup begins tomorrow, but Shakib will not feature in this tournament. Yet, his contributions and performances have elevated him to this unique distinction. He is the sole representative from Bangladesh in the all-time Asia XI.

Popular cricket website ESPNcricinfo released the all-time Asia T20 XI based on two special criteria. First, performances across all T20 formats—not just international T20s—were considered. Second, a maximum of four players from any single country could be included. Shakib Al Hasan, the former world’s top all-rounder, represents Bangladesh, while the team is captained by India’s Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Opening positions went to Sri Lanka’s legendary batsmen Sanath Jayasuriya and Mahela Jayawardene. India’s modern cricket stars Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav occupy the third and fourth spots. Fifth position is taken by the captain and wicketkeeper, another Indian great, Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

At number six is Bangladesh’s sole representative, Shakib Al Hasan. Seventh spot goes to Pakistan’s ‘Boom Boom’ Shahid Afridi, eighth to Afghanistan’s magical spinner Rashid Khan. Ninth is Pakistan’s pace ace Umar Gul, tenth India’s deadly fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, and eleventh Sri Lanka’s yorker specialist Lasith Malinga. Pakistan’s off-spinner Saeed Ajmal completes the squad as the twelfth member.

ESPNcricinfo’s All-Time Greatest Asia T20 XI:
Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Shahid Afridi, Rashid Khan, Umar Gul, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga.