|| CF DESK ||

As the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) draft approaches, excitement is building, with franchises making headlines by signing new players. However, as with many BPL seasons, the focus remains on star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

Fans and analysts alike are curious whether he will join a new franchise or stay with his previous team. This year, though, the situation is different due to political realities, which have cast uncertainty over Shakib's participation in the tournament.

Shakib is also expected to retire from Test cricket after the upcoming series against South Africa, but concerns over security have delayed confirmation. The all-rounder has expressed a strong desire to safely return to his family after his farewell Test in Bangladesh. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has stated they cannot guarantee his complete security.

Shakib’s current BPL franchise, Rangpur Riders, has also opened up about the issue as the franchise’s team director, Shahnian Tanim, said that they are interested in retaining Shakib but that his participation depends on whether he plays in the South Africa series.

"Shakib is undoubtedly Bangladesh’s biggest player, but his BPL participation is not in our hands. If he can play in the South Africa series, then we might have a clearer idea. Right now, it’s all up to Shakib." Tanim told the media on Saturday.

Tanim emphasized that Rangpur's relationship with Shakib is strictly professional, as they respect him solely as a cricketer, not for his political affiliations. He added that seeing Shakib in the BPL is something all Bangladeshis want, calling the all-rounder a "national treasure" whose presence would benefit any franchise and the BPL as a whole.

"Personally, I know Shakib as a cricketer, not as a politician or a businessman. As a cricketer, he is flawless. Whether it's our franchise or any other, Shakib is always an asset for the BPL and for Bangladesh" Tanim added.