After correcting his bowling action, Shakib Al Hasan made his return to competitive cricket through the Pakistan Super League (PSL). But the big question remains—will he return to the Bangladesh national team? According to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Iftekhar Rahman, the relationship between the board and the country’s greatest cricketer is far from over. However, when or if Shakib will wear the national jersey again is a question only time can answer.
Shakib last played for Bangladesh on October 1, during the final day of the Kanpur Test against India. He was expected to return later that month to play his farewell Test, but security concerns halted his journey in Dubai on the way back from the United States. Since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, Shakib has not returned to the country.
As a result, his retirement from Test cricket remains in limbo. Debates continued over whether he would feature in overseas matches, but that discussion was interrupted when his bowling action came under scrutiny while playing county cricket. He was subsequently banned from bowling due to the faulty action.
In January, during the Champions Trophy squad announcement, Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain said the selectors did not find it suitable to include Shakib purely as a batsman.
Shakib was initially expected to retire from international cricket after the Champions Trophy—but that plan, too, remains uncertain.
After correcting his bowling action, Shakib passed a reassessment in March and regained bowling clearance. However, opportunities to play were scarce. Eventually, when the postponed PSL resumed, he was picked as a replacement player by Lahore Qalandars. The 38-year-old played three matches for the franchise.
His return to the field reignited the question of whether he still has a future with the national team. Speaking to the media at the closing ceremony of a cricket tournament in Gulshan, BCB director Iftekhar Rahman said he still wants to see more of Shakib on the field.
“Definitely not (the end of the relationship). Our team management, the setup… and Shakib has only just played his first tournament since correcting his action. Let’s see what happens next. But he’s a world-class cricketer. He’s an asset to any team. He’s always under consideration by our selectors and team management.”
“Shakib made his comeback, and he’s only played two (three) matches. Let him play a few more. Then we’ll be in a better position to answer that question.”
Bangladesh’s recent performance has been dismal. Following a Test defeat to Zimbabwe at home, they also lost a T20 series to the UAE. To add to the woes, the team has slipped to 10th in the ICC ODI rankings for the first time in years. Many believe the sport is losing its popularity in the country.
Iftekhar acknowledged the dire situation but remains hopeful.
“‘Alarming’ is an understatement… But yes, the national team’s performance is a big factor in maintaining popularity. You have to understand, this is a new team. With four senior players (Shakib, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah) stepping away, a void has formed. I believe there’s talent—but as I’ve said before, there’s a lack of application. The more matches they play, the more they will improve.”
“I believe the only direction we can go from here is up.”
The Bangladesh team is currently in Pakistan, where they will begin a three-match T20I series on Wednesday.
