Shakib Al Hasan's Potential International Return: BCB Lays Out Conditions
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially opened the door for former captain Shakib Al Hasan's potential return to international cricket, despite his retirement announcement in 2024. This development comes at a turbulent time for Bangladesh cricket, following the team's exclusion from the upcoming T20 World Cup.
BCB's Clear Criteria for Comeback Consideration
BCB senior official Amzad Hossain revealed that the board has taken a unanimous decision regarding Shakib's possible return. "If Shakib Al Hasan's availability, fitness and accessibility allow it—and if he can be present at the venue where matches are played—then the board and the selection panel will consider him for the national team," Hossain stated during a press briefing on Saturday.
The board has also committed to providing necessary support for his participation in overseas leagues. "If he wants to participate in other global tournaments, the board will provide him NOC as required," Hossain added, referring to the No-Objection Certificate required for international league participation.
Political Controversies and Personal Challenges
Shakib's potential return is complicated by significant political controversies. The star all-rounder became a target of public anger following the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina's government in Bangladesh. As a member of Hasina's Awami League and a former parliament representative, Shakib faced investigations related to police crackdowns on protesters during the previous administration.
Currently, Shakib has been participating in domestic Twenty20 cricket competitions in Canada and has not returned to Bangladesh since the government change. He previously apologized for remaining silent during student-led protests in the country, adding another layer to his complex public image.
Bangladesh's T20 World Cup Exclusion Adds Pressure
The BCB's consideration of Shakib's return comes as Bangladesh cricket faces a major setback. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in next month's T20 World Cup, following a dispute between the BCB and Indian cricket authorities.
The controversy began when the Indian cricket board ordered Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. The BCB refused to send players to India and requested matches be shifted to co-host Sri Lanka. "This is a government decision taken on security grounds," explained Amzad Hossain. "Because of that, there was nothing more we could do."
Despite ICC findings of no credible security threat in India, the BCB maintained the matter was beyond their control, resulting in Bangladesh's exclusion from the prestigious tournament.
Shakib's Impressive Career Statistics
The left-arm all-rounder brings substantial experience to the table:
- 71 Test matches for Bangladesh
- 247 One-Day International appearances
- 129 Twenty20 International matches
- 712 combined wickets across all formats
His potential return could provide much-needed stability and experience to the Bangladesh cricket team during this challenging period. The cricketing world now watches closely to see if Shakib can meet the BCB's conditions and make his international comeback a reality.
