The country’s all-round legend, Shakib Al Hasan, has made cricketing history by becoming the fifth bowler to claim 500 wickets in T20 cricket.

More impressively, Shakib is the first-ever player to complete the remarkable double of 7,000 runs and 500 wickets in the format.

The landmark moment came during a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match while playing for Antigua Hawksbills. Shakib claimed his 500th wicket by dismissing Pakistani batter Mohammad Rizwan with his trademark left-arm spin. The wicket not only shifted the momentum in Antigua’s favor but also cemented Shakib’s place among T20 cricket’s all-time greats.

Shakib now joins an exclusive club that includes Rashid Khan, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, and Imran Tahir, but stands alone as the only player to reach 500 wickets and surpass 7,000 runs — a testament to his unparalleled all-round abilities.

At 38, Shakib, who reached the milestone in just 457 matches and 419 innings, reflected on his achievement, saying, “This is the result of years of hard work and dedication. I’m incredibly happy and proud to reach this milestone. But the journey continues.”

Despite facing criticism for his reduced bowling role in recent CPL matches, Shakib delivered when it mattered most, claiming 3 wickets for just 11 runs in a recent match against St. Kitts. Addressing the speculation, he said, “I haven’t bowled much lately, and yes, I feel a bit nervous when I do. There’s been a lot of negative talk, but everything I do is for the team. My goal has always been to contribute whenever I get the chance — whether with bat, ball, or in the field.”

With his latest achievement, Shakib has reinforced his status as a modern cricketing icon, and his legacy in T20 cricket is now firmly established. As the only player to pair over 7,000 runs with 500 wickets in the shortest format, Shakib`s influence continues to transcend borders and generations.