After nearly 18 months away from home, Shakib Al Hasan’s path back to Bangladesh cricket appears to be opening — though not without conditions.
According to a report by Daily Sun, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has formally moved documents related to Shakib’s legal cases to the government, a step viewed as critical in facilitating his potential return ahead of the upcoming home series against Pakistan.
BCB initiates formal process
The development marks the most concrete administrative movement since Shakib’s prolonged absence began following a domestic political transition in August 2024.
“We have sent the papers of his (Shakib) cases to the government,” a senior BCB official confirmed to Daily Sun on Tuesday, signalling that the board has completed its part of the preliminary process.
Another BCB official clarified the procedural boundaries of the board’s role, telling The Daily Star on condition of anonymity on Wednesday: “The documents were forwarded yesterday, but since this is a policymaking issue, it will be handled by the relevant authorities, and for now, the board is not involved in the proceedings. If anything is required [from the board], we will be notified,” underscoring that the matter now rests at the state level.
Shakib, a former Member of Parliament for the Awami League, has not returned to the country since the government was ousted. During the interim administration, multiple cases were filed against him, including serious charges widely viewed by some as politically linked.
Government stance: resolve cases first
While the administrative channel has been activated, the government has made its position clear: legal clearance must precede any sporting comeback.
“Shakib and Mashrafe are legendary cricketers. I have seen the love of the people of Bangladesh for them and their attraction to cricket. I feel that the legal cases against them were the state’s decision,” State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque said after a program at Pallabi Bidyaniketan on Wednesday, acknowledging both public sentiment and the formal nature of the cases.
He emphasised that due process remains central to any resolution. “As a sportsperson, I believe they should address those legal issues personally through their lawyers, in accordance with the law.”
At the same time, Aminul signalled flexibility if legal hurdles are cleared. “Through their lawyers, if they face the legal proceedings against them and resolve everything to prove their innocence to return to the field, I will welcome them. We will be hundred percent flexible in that regard,” he added, outlining the pathway back to competitive cricket.
Dressing room boost ahead of ODI cycle
Within the team environment, anticipation is already building. Bangladesh ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz expressed optimism about a potential reunion.
“Of course I would feel happy to play with him (Shakib) again. We have played together for many years. We also didn’t play together for the national side in the last few years. So if Shakib bhai plays, obviously I would feel elated,” Miraz told reporters in Rajshahi.
The timing is significant. Bangladesh’s immediate focus is shifting firmly toward 50-over cricket, with qualification for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup on the line. The top eight Full Members in the ICC ODI rankings as of March 31, 2027, along with hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, will secure direct entry into the 14-team event, with the remaining places determined through a qualifier.
Currently positioned 10th in the rankings, Bangladesh must climb at least one place to guarantee direct qualification. They have between 20 and 23 ODIs scheduled before the cut-off, beginning with a home series against Pakistan in March, followed by fixtures against New Zealand, Australia, India, Ireland, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Since Shakib’s departure, Bangladesh have struggled for consistency in the format, winning seven of their last 25 ODIs while losing 17. Heavy defeats overseas and patchy batting returns have amplified the need for experience in the middle order and balance with the ball — areas where Shakib historically anchored the side.
A comeback contingent on clearance
For now, the equation is procedural rather than tactical. The BCB has initiated the formal documentation process. The government has indicated openness but insists on legal resolution. The dressing room is receptive.
Whether Shakib’s long-anticipated homecoming materialises before the Pakistan series — or later in the ODI World Cup qualification cycle — will depend on how swiftly those legal proceedings are addressed.
What is clear is that, for the first time in months, the pathway back is no longer blocked administratively. The next move rests with the courts and the state.
