Amid ongoing questions around his international future, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has now laid out his position — reaffirming his desire to return while acknowledging the realities delaying that path.
Commitment to Bangladesh remains unchanged
In a Facebook post, Shakib moved to address speculation around his future, making it clear that his focus remains firmly on representing Bangladesh in the final phase of his career.
“One of my speech in the media recently has created quite the discussion. I want to explain this very clearly to everyone. My full focus is only on cricket right now. At this last stage of my career I want to play my best for Bangladesh national team and gift the country some great performances if I get the chance,” he said.
That ambition reflects a career built on sustained performance. Across 247 One-Day Internationals, Shakib has accumulated 7,570 runs alongside 317 wickets, while in Test cricket he has contributed 4,609 runs and claimed 246 wickets — numbers that underline his status as one of Bangladesh’s most influential all-rounders.
His message also carried a broader personal perspective on life beyond cricket. “Politics is very important for the development of a country. After pulling the cricket career, I want to contribute to the development of my country. But that’s not what has to be done only through politics. It is possible to work for the country without politics. But yes, it might be much easier to do things through politics.”
He concluded the post with a clear emotional objective for the future. “I hope I can finish my cricket career with a smile on the red-green jersey. With this aim, I ask for prayers and love from all the people of Bangladesh.”
Legal process remains the immediate barrier
While his long-term goal is clear, Shakib’s immediate priority lies away from the field. In an exclusive phone interview with The Daily Star, he outlined how ongoing legal matters continue to delay any potential return.
“That is secondary. My first priority is returning to the country. I have seen in interviews and comments from the BCB and others that they want me to come and play. But since a legal process is ongoing, these things cannot just be said verbally; the issues must be resolved for me to return. Since I am far away, it would have been easier for me if the BCB had handled these matters on my behalf. I am not saying they haven’t done anything at all, but if it had been done a bit better, there would have been a possibility of a quicker solution. Since that didn’t happen and I am being delayed, I am doing my level best to find a solution,” Shakib Al Hasan said in an exclusive phone interview with The Daily Star.
Managing uncertainty and communication gaps
Alongside legal challenges, Shakib also pointed to inconsistencies in communication, indicating that he has had to take on responsibility for navigating the situation himself.
“From what I know, communication [with Sport’s Ministry] is happening through the BCB. I haven’t had any direct contact. As for the BCB, sometimes there is communication, and sometimes there isn’t. So, I am trying to handle everything on my own. Let’s see what happens,” he said.
Despite those challenges, his outlook remains grounded in optimism and patience. “I am hopeful; I have always been an optimistic person. The legal processes have begun. If I can resolve things as quickly as possible… otherwise, it might take time. But I am trying my best to settle these issues quickly. The faster these matters are resolved, the sooner I can return,” he added.
A final chapter still in flux
Shakib’s career, which spans more than 400 international appearances and over 14,000 runs alongside more than 700 wickets across formats, now sits at a pivotal juncture.
While the desire to return and conclude his journey in Bangladesh colours remains intact, the timeline is shaped by circumstances beyond cricket.
