The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has indicated that Shakib Al Hasan could still make a return to the national squad, despite not having featured since last October. Board director Iftekhar Rahman confirmed to journalists that Shakib remains “in the consideration of the selectors,” emphasising his value as a cricketer.
Shakib’s potential comeback is under discussion amid Bangladesh’s recent performances, including a T20I series loss to the UAE and an upcoming series in Pakistan. “Shakib will always be in the consideration of the selectors and the team management,” Rahman stated. “He is an asset for any team. He is a world-class cricketer. He has just returned after correcting his bowling action so our team management will keep track of him. It is definitely not [the end of our association with Shakib]. He has only played a few matches after his suspension. Let him play a few more matches, I think then we can answer the question [of his return].”
At 38, Shakib recently returned to competitive cricket, playing three matches for Lahore Qalandars in this year’s Pakistan Super League. His comeback follows the clearance of his bowling action by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after concerns were raised in December while playing for Surrey.
Shakib hasn’t represented Bangladesh since their second Test against India in October last year. He had expressed his intent to conclude his Test career in a home series against South Africa, but political shifts in Bangladesh disrupted these plans. As a member of parliament for the Awami League, Shakib found himself embroiled in political turmoil, preventing his participation in that farewell match and subsequent international fixtures.
Despite being overlooked for recent series and the Champions Trophy squad, Shakib hasn’t announced retirement from ODIs. Bangladesh, meanwhile, has slipped to the tenth position in the ICC ODI rankings. The team is navigating a transitional phase, with senior players such as Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah having retired, and Mushfiqur Rahim limiting his availability to Test formats.
Rahman addressed the challenges facing the team: “It is a relatively new team without the four senior players [Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah],” he said. “There’s a void in the team. I think we have the talent among the current crop of players but they lack application. I have said it before, but the more they play, the better they will get. I think the position that we are in right now, the only way to go is up.”
As Bangladesh adjusts to these changes, Shakib’s situation remains unresolved, though his potential return could offer experience and skill during this period of rebuilding.
