Shakib Al Hasan set for Bangladesh return as BCB pushes legal clearance for homecoming

Shakib Al Hasan (Photo by Jan Kruger-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Shakib Al Hasan‘s potential homecoming gained momentum as the Bangladesh Cricket Board submitted documents related to the all-rounder’s legal cases to the government on February 24. Shakib, a former Awami League Member of Parliament, has not returned to Bangladesh since the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024.

The 38-year-old has expressed a desire to play one last bilateral series at home, last representing Bangladesh in a Test against India in Kanpur in late 2024. Since then, he has focused on franchise leagues around the world, remaining absent from the national side for nearly a year and a half. During the tenure of the Yunus government, Shakib was implicated in several legal cases, including a murder case, which many believe were politically motivated due to his ties with the deposed government.

Recently, the BCB emphasised its desire to have Shakib back for the upcoming home series against Pakistan, after discussions with him regarding a possible return. Aminul Haque, the newly appointed State Minister for Youth and Sports, stated that the government would work to resolve legal cases against Shakib and former captain Mashrafe Mortaza, enabling their return to cricket. Mortaza, also a former Awami League lawmaker, had remained out of the public eye since his party lost power.

Aminul added that both former captains faced cases that needed state-level resolution to allow them to resume their cricketing careers. Following this, Shakib’s legal team prepared the necessary papers, prompting the BCB to take steps that could facilitate his comeback for one final series.

Bangladesh batting coach Mohammad Ashraful believes Shakib could even participate in the 2027 World Cup. BCB officials confirmed the development shortly after Bangladesh ODI skipper Mehidy Hasan told reporters he was looking forward to teaming up with Shakib once again.

“We have sent the papers of his (Shakib’s) cases to the government,” a top BCB official said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“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 [in the upcoming series against Pakistan] obviously I would feel elated,” Miraz said to the media.

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