Ways open for Shakib’s return to international cricket (Photo: Ahmed Salahuddin/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Shakib Al Hasan: Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided to retain former captain Shakib Al Hasan in the central contract. Shakib Al Hasan has been out of Bangladesh team for 15 months. But, after this decision of BCB, now the doors have opened for his return to international cricket. Bangladesh Cricket Board’s decision regarding Shakib is awaiting government approval. The news of opening the way for Shakib Al Hasan to return to international cricket by retaining him in the central contract came on the day Bangladesh was thrown out of the T20 World Cup 2026.
BCB with Shakib
Bangladesh Cricket Board said that Shakib has been away from international cricket for a long time. Nevertheless he will continue to support the 38 year old all-rounder. The board said that it will also issue a no objection certificate for Shakib so that he can play in foreign tournaments.
If Shakib is available then his selection will be considered.
In the press conference held on January 24, the directors of Bangladesh Cricket Board spoke openly about Shakib’s future and the decisions taken regarding him. A BCB official said that if Shakib is fit and available to play the match, then he will be considered for inclusion in the team. He said that Shakib Al Hasan will also be able to participate in other tournaments without any restriction. The board will provide them a no objection certificate for that.
BCB said that Shakib’s selection will be considered for both domestic and foreign series. This is a formal decision of the board, which marks an important change after the fall of Sheikh Hasina government. Earlier, considering the political sensitivity in the country, BCB had distanced itself from Shakib.
Shakib Al Hasan was last seen on the field in international cricket on 1 October 2024. In such a situation, the decision taken regarding him is even more important, which has opened the way for his return to international cricket again after 15 months. The big thing is that Shakib got the support of Bangladesh on the same day when ICC formally expelled Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup after it refused to go to India citing security concerns.
Shakib’s wish will also be fulfilled now
Shakib has experience of playing in cricket leagues around the world. Last year, he had said that his wish was to say goodbye to international cricket in front of his home crowd. In Moeen Ali’s podcast ‘Beard Before Wicket’, Shakib said that his ambition still remains. He had said that he hoped to return to Bangladesh. That’s why he is still playing. He further said that the only reason for me playing is to stay fit and retire from the home ground.