Shakib’s return still possible, says chief selector Bashar
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the first two ODIs of the upcoming series against New Zealand.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the first two ODIs of the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has made it clear that, despite fresh discussion over his political future, his immediate focus remains cricket and representing Bangladesh in what he described as the final phase of his career.
Shakib Al Hasan has signed up for another franchise tournament, this time in Sweden, where he will play for Uppsala Tigers in the inaugural edition of the Nordic Smash T20.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has appointed former captain Habibul Bashar as chief selector of a new four-member panel, with the veteran set to assume his duties next month.
There was strong speculation that Shakib Al Hasan would return to the national team during the recent Pakistan series, but that did not materialise, as the all-rounder has yet to resolve ongoing legal matters and return to the country.
Shakib Al Hasan is set to feature in the inaugural season of the European T20 League [EUT20 Belgium] after signing directly with Akcel United Brussels ahead of the tournament draft.
Shakib Al Hasan is unlikely to make his international return in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, according to a report by Prothom Alo.
All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan remains a vital asset for Bangladesh, offering balance with his middle-order batting and full 10 overs of left-arm spin. His absence effectively reduces the side by one batter and one bowler, complicating the team combination.
Efforts by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to pave the way for Shakib Al Hasan’s return have taken a dramatic turn, as a group of his supporters filed a complaint against former youth and sports adviser Asif Mahmud at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday.
Former Bangladesh captains Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza remain out of the public cricketing scene amid ongoing legal cases, but the government has indicated they would be welcomed back if cleared by the courts.
The case files involving Shakib Al Hasan have officially been forwarded to the relevant ministry, marking a significant step toward clearing the path for his return to Bangladesh and the national team.
With speculation growing over Shakib Al Hasan’s possible return to international cricket, Bangladesh batting coach Mohammad Ashraful has expressed confidence that the veteran all-rounder can continue playing until the 2027 World Cup.