Shakib Al Hasan may not have donned Bangladesh colours in months, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) insists his international career is far from over. Amid Bangladesh’s struggles on the field and a generational shift in leadership, selectors are keeping tabs on the 38-year-old veteran all-rounder.
“Shakib will always be in the consideration of the selectors and the team management,” said BCB director Iftekhar Rahman, speaking after the BIHA Champions League Final.
“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].”
Shakib returned to competitive cricket last week during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), appearing in three matches for the Lahore Qalandars. His return came nearly six months after his last professional appearance and just two months after being cleared to bowl again by the ECB, following a suspension due to an illegal bowling action.
A challenging comeback and limited impact in PSL
Despite rejoining the game, Shakib’s performances in the PSL were not up to his standard. He recorded two ducks in two innings and managed to claim just one wicket across three matches. Still, the Qalandars clinched the title—marking Shakib’s eighth franchise league triumph, even though he did not feature in the final.
“When you return to cricket after a long time, you are very excited. Along with being excited, you also have to see how your body is responding. Playing after a long time is a little different, but it has been good for me. The upcoming matches of Lahore Qalandars will definitely be good for me,” Shakib said in an interview with GEO News ahead of the PSL final.
The all-rounder also signaled a desire to focus more on franchise cricket going forward: “I would like to play in other leagues including the Pakistan Super League right now. I do not know what will happen in the next four to five months. I have contracts now. I will definitely play leagues.”
A complicated relationship with the national team
Shakib last represented Bangladesh during the second Test against India in Kanpur in late 2024. At the time, he had publicly stated his intention to retire from T20Is and end his Test career on home soil in a farewell series against South Africa.
That send-off never materialized.
Following the Awami League’s political defeat in August 2024—Shakib is a member of parliament from the party—widespread student protests and political instability prevented his return. The BCB, in turn, distanced itself from Shakib and omitted him from subsequent series, including the Champions Trophy.
Meanwhile, a December suspension from the ECB further derailed his comeback. It wasn’t until March 2025 that his bowling action was cleared, allowing him to reenter franchise cricket.
Bangladesh’s leadership vacuum deepens
Bangladesh’s recent form has raised alarms, particularly after a 2-1 T20I series defeat to the UAE in Sharjah. The side now faces another tough three-match series in Pakistan.
Part of the concern stems from the exodus of experience. Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah have retired from all formats, and Mushfiqur Rahim is only available for Tests. Shakib, who hasn’t officially retired from ODIs, remains in limbo—Bangladesh has dropped to 10th in the ICC ODI rankings.
“It is a relatively new team without the four senior players [Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah],” Iftekhar told reporters.
“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.”
What’s next for Shakib?
Shakib’s future with Bangladesh depends on multiple factors—his form, fitness, and willingness to reengage with the national team after a politically and professionally turbulent year.
For now, one of Bangladesh’s greatest-ever cricketers remains on the periphery. But as the BCB navigates an uncertain rebuild, his return could still play a critical role in stabilizing the team’s fortunes.
