Bangladesh veteran Shakib Al Hasan is ready to return to Bangladesh and face trials on charges, including murder, with the hope of representing the country at the 2027 if the government guarantees his safety.
Shakib, a former lawmaker of the Sheikh Hasina government, has been living in the United States since the fall of the government in August 2024. Shakib is not yet retired from international cricket, and the dream to play for the country again is still burning in him.
“If I get the clearance from the government that my security will be ensured, I am happy to go back, face the court trial and everything that needs to be done,” Shakib told Reuters.
“I know I haven’t done anything,” he said, giving the most detailed account yet of his two years abroad.’
‘We Follow The Captain’ – Shakib
The student protest that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina also forced the PM to flee the country and take shelter in India. Hasina recently said that she and other Awami League leaders plan to return to Bangladesh in December. said he wanted to return to the country immediately but now plans to return alongside her. Hasina was sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka following a brutal crackdown on a protest that led to the death of 1400 people.
“Whatever the captain says, we follow her,” he said. “I think they will decide it better, and we will follow the instructions given to us.”
‘I Can’t Wait Too Long’ – Shakib Al Hasan On Retirement
Shakib also dropped a hint about his retirement and said that given his age, he won’t hang around for too long. Shakib is still an active cricketer in the franchise leagues.
“I am playing most of the franchise leagues. I am feeling good, still enjoying the game, playing well also,” he said. “But … age is not on my side at this moment, so I cannot wait for too long.”