Shakib Al Hasan Breaks Silence on Bangladesh Return, Takes Aim at Bangladesh Cricket Board

Background: A Long Hiatus Since October 2024

Shakib Al Hasan last appeared for the national side in October 2024, when Bangladesh toured India for a two‑match Test series. The series ended in a 0‑2 defeat for Bangladesh, and after that loss Shakib Al Hasan has remained outside the squad, even though Shakib Al Hasan has never publicly announced retirement from international cricket.

Since that series, speculation has persisted regarding a possible return for Bangladesh, especially as Shakib Al Hasan continues to play regularly in franchise T20 leagues around the globe. The ongoing chatter intensified after the recent withdrawal of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup and the subsequent postponement of the World Bangla Premier League (WBPL). In response, Shakib Al Hasan used the opportunity to criticize the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s handling of off‑field issues and to reveal thoughts about future plans.

Will Shakib Al Hasan Return for Bangladesh?

Shakib Al Hasan has represented Bangladesh in 447 international matches, a tally that places Shakib Al Hasan second only to Mushfiqur Rahim in appearances. Over the course of those matches, Shakib Al Hasan has accumulated 14,730 runs for Bangladesh and taken 712 wickets, the highest wicket‑taking total ever recorded by any Bangladesh player. In addition to these individual achievements, Shakib Al Hasan has captained Bangladesh in 120 matches across all three formats, underscoring a leadership role that has shaped Bangladesh cricket for more than a decade.

Fans and analysts alike are now looking ahead to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, hoping that Shakib Al Hasan could once again don the Men in Crickxon jersey. Despite the excitement, Shakib Al Hasan acknowledges that the path back to Bangladesh is riddled with complications. In a recent interview with The Daily Star, Shakib Al Hasan spoke candidly about the situation and offered a subtle jab at the politics surrounding Bangladesh Cricket Board decisions.

"That is secondary. My priority is returning to the country. I have seen in interviews and comments from Bangladesh Cricket Board and others that they want me to come and play. But since a legal process is ongoing, these things cannot just be said verbally; the issues must be resolved for me to return," Shakib Al Hasan said.

"Since I am far away, it would have been easier for me if Bangladesh Cricket Board had handled these matters on my behalf. I am not saying Bangladesh Cricket Board hasn't done anything at all, but if it had been done a bit better, there would have been a possibility of a quicker solution. Since that didn't happen and I am being delayed, I am doing my level best to find a solution," Shakib Al Hasan added.

Shakib Al Hasan’s comments make it clear that the primary obstacle is not a question of form or fitness, but a procedural and legal bottleneck that must be cleared before any on‑field return can be contemplated.

Legal Troubles Keep Shakib Al Hasan Away from Bangladesh

In August 2025, a Bangladeshi court ordered the seizure of Shakib Al Hasan’s assets, effectively barring Shakib Al Hasan from entering Bangladesh. The court’s decision stemmed from Shakib Al Hasan’s political affiliation with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Shakib Al Hasan served as a lawmaker for the Awami League before Sheikh Hasina was forced out of the country due to student‑led protests in 2024.

Since the court order, Shakib Al Hasan has taken up residence on Long Island, awaiting the resolution of the legal battle that currently prevents Shakib Al Hasan from stepping foot in Bangladesh. The last competitive cricket action featuring Shakib Al Hasan came in the ILT20 2026 final, where Shakib Al Hasan represented MI Emirates.

During the ILT20 2026 tournament, Shakib Al Hasan amassed 115 runs across five innings, posting an impressive average of 122.34. With the ball, Shakib Al Hasan captured three wickets in a total of 20 overs throughout the season. Those performances, while impressive, remain the most recent evidence of Shakib Al Hasan’s lingering ability to influence a game at the highest level.

Bangladesh Prepares for a Crucial 2026/27 Season

Bangladesh has endured a challenging period on the international stage, highlighted by the missed opportunity to compete in the T20 World Cup 2026. In the wake of that disappointment, Bangladesh returned to international cricket with a home series against Pakistan. Despite doubts expressed by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz regarding Bangladesh’s One Day International (ODI) preparation, Bangladesh secured a 2‑1 series victory in the three‑match ODI contest.

Looking ahead, Bangladesh will host New Zealand for a T20 International series later in April. Following the short‑format series, Bangladesh’s calendar features back‑to‑back Test tours of Australia and South Africa in 2026. Those tours represent crucial opportunities for Bangladesh to climb the World Test Championship rankings, where Bangladesh currently occupies the eighth position.

Having missed the T20 World Cup 2026, Bangladesh’s strategic focus has now shifted entirely toward the 50‑over World Cup in 2027. The objective is to replicate the remarkable success Bangladesh achieved in the 2015 edition, a feat that would be especially gratifying amid the ongoing power struggle within Bangladesh Cricket Board.