Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that former captain Shakib Al Hasan is once again eligible for national team selection, marking a major development amid Bangladesh’s recent exclusion from the T20 World Cup.
The decision followed a lengthy eight-hour BCB board meeting that concluded late on Saturday night. BCB Media Committee Chairman Amjad Hossain told reporters that the board has removed any internal barriers to Shakib’s return, leaving the matter in the hands of the selectors.
“If Shakib is available, fit and can physically access the match venues, the board and the selection panel will definitely consider him,” Amjad said.
However, Shakib’s return remains complicated by circumstances beyond cricket. The veteran all-rounder, who served as a Member of Parliament for the now-ousted Awami League government, has not returned to Bangladesh since the regime’s fall in August 2024.
He contested the controversial 2024 election under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, which was widely criticised over alleged irregularities and opposition boycotts.
Shakib last represented Bangladesh during the Test match against India in Kanpur. He was unable to play his planned farewell Test at Mirpur after public protests and security concerns made his return unsafe.
Addressing questions about the legal cases reportedly filed against Shakib, BCB officials were clear that such matters fall outside the board’s jurisdiction.
“Whether he is a criminal or needs to be judged is a government issue, not BCB’s,” Amjad said.
BCB director Asif Akbar echoed the stance, stating, “Whether he is a fallen fascist or a former MP is not our concern. We want the player Shakib.”
The board has reportedly assigned its president to engage with government authorities to explore ways to ensure Shakib’s safe return, should the selectors decide to include him in future squads.
PT/ra
