Despite a stellar performance last year that saw him return to the national team, Shamim Hossain was not included in the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) central contract. The reason for this exclusion was explained by chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain.
Shamim played a key role in Bangladesh’s victory in the T20 series against the West Indies last December, and his explosive batting was on full display once again in the BPL. Known as a specialist in the 20-over format, he could also make a return to the ODI squad in the future. However, the young aggressive batsman did not secure a spot in the BCB’s new central contract. Gazi Ashraf Hossain, the chief selector, has left the door open for him, though.
The 2025 BCB central contract list didn’t have many surprises. The list comprises 21 players who performed across various formats last year. However, the absence of Shamim did raise some eyebrows.
Shamim had been playing international cricket almost a year ago, starting with the T20 series during the Caribbean tour. In the first two matches on the slow, bowler-friendly pitches of Guyana, he played vital cameos towards the end of the innings. He scored 27 off 13 balls in the first T20 and followed it up with 35 off 17 balls in the second match. His quickfire knocks, following the failure of the top order, gave Bangladesh a fighting chance. Shamim was awarded the Player of the Match in his debut series.
In the three-match series, Shamim scored 64 runs at a strike rate of 188.23. No other batsman in the series had a strike rate above 140 in multiple matches.
His consistency continued in the BPL, where he scored 352 runs at a strike rate of 159.27 for Chittagong Kings. His strike rate was the highest among the top ten run-scorers.
Shamim’s batting style has seen positive changes, with his tendency to play innovative shots becoming more consistent and effective. He has also shown improvements in his all-round batting skills.
If he remains injury-free, there’s little doubt that he will feature in the T20 squad in the future. With the upcoming T20 World Cup next year, a powerful batsman like Shamim could be an essential part of the team. Following the retirement of Mushfiqur Rahim and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mahmudullah, there could also be changes in the ODI setup where Shamim might play a role. Given his recent performances, many expected him to be part of the central contract.
The list of contracted players is compiled by the national selection committee and then recommended to the Cricket Operations Department, which makes the final decision.
Chief selector Gazi Ashraf confirmed to bdnews24.com that Shamim was not on their list.
“If Shamim had been in our thoughts, he would have certainly been included,” Gazi said. “You also need to understand that some players have been excluded who previously were part of the contract but couldn’t perform. However, the door remains open for everyone. Anyone who performs consistently will get a central contract. Being a part of the national team’s contract is an honor, and this decision was made keeping that in mind.”
Though Shamim’s return to the national team was impressive, he only got the opportunity to play three T20 matches last year, which could have hindered his chances of securing a central contract.
This year, new faces like Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan, Rishad Hossain, and Zakir Ali have made it to the BCB’s central contract, while veterans like Sadman Islam and Soumya Sarkar made their return after a long break.
Notably, prominent players such as Shakib Al Hasan, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and Naim Hasan have been excluded. After a long hiatus since October, it seems unlikely that Shakib will return to the national team soon. However, the rest still have a long career ahead.
The chief selector emphasized that the doors for national team and central contracts are always open for consistent performers.
“We don’t want to send any specific message to anyone. It’s the same for all. If someone performs well, they will find a place in the central contract. There’s no reason to be satisfied with just a little. But we also won’t say anyone can never make it. The door is always open for anyone who continues to perform.”
Players not on the central contract but who get a chance to play in various series or tournaments for the national team will receive compensation based on their category, just like contracted players.
