The Bangladesh Cricket Board reopened the possibility of Shakib Al Hasan returning to the national team, subject to fitness, availability and clearance.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reopened the possibility of former captain Shakib Al Hasan making a return to the national team. The star all-rounder, who also served as a lawmaker for the former ruling party, had stepped away from international cricket amid political turmoil in the country.
Shakib’s political association with ousted leader Sheikh Hasina made him a target of public anger following the 2024 uprising. He was also named in murder investigations linked to a deadly police crackdown on protesters, which further complicated his cricketing future.
In 2024, Shakib announced his retirement from international cricket. However, he expressed his desire to reverse that decision in December last year, leaving the door open for a potential comeback.
A senior BCB official, Amzad Hossain, confirmed that the board is open to reconsidering Shakib’s inclusion in the national setup.
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“The board has unanimously decided that if Shakib Al Hasan’s availability, fitness, and accessibility permit, and if he can be present at the venue where matches are played, the board and the selection panel will consider him for the national team,” Hossain told reporters late Saturday.
Amzad also stated that the BCB would not stand in Shakib’s way if he wished to play in overseas leagues and global tournaments.
“If he wishes to participate in other global tournaments, the board will provide him the necessary NOC,” Amzad added.
Shakib had earlier apologized for his silence during the student-led uprising but defended his decision to serve the regime that was eventually toppled.
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