Will Shakib Al Hasan make a comeback for Bangladesh?

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan is facing an uncertain future with the national team. Displeasure over his conduct has been expressed by the country’s sports adviser, Asif Mahmud, making his return to the team highly unlikely. Shakib’s last international game dates back to October 2024, following which he has been excluded from all forms of the game.

Mahmud’s stern words came on the heels of Shakib’s controversial actions, specifically a social media post of him with Sheikh Hasina on her birthday. The sports adviser declared that Shakib would no longer don the Bangladesh jersey under his watch, citing misgivings about his affiliations and actions. Mahmud bluntly stated, “He cannot be allowed to carry the Bangladesh flag.”

Post his exclusion from the national side, Shakib has sought solace in various domestic and international leagues, expressing his cricketing prowess elsewhere. While a potential comeback was on the cards during the Champions Trophy, Shakib’s failure to clear the bowling action reassessment test thwarted those plans. In his absence, the national team has shifted its leadership to Litton Das for the T20Is and Mehidy Hasan Miraz for ODIs and Tests.

Shakib’s woes have deepened as accusations of corruption and misconduct against him continue to accumulate. Allegations range from stock market manipulation to illegal gambling activities, along with a string of other financial improprieties. The Anti-Corruption Commission in Bangladesh has launched an investigation into these various allegations, concerned about Shakib’s potential legal entanglements in the future.

Despite these controversies, Shakib’s numbers on the field speak volumes about his cricketing abilities. Renowned as one of cricket’s premier all-rounders, in 71 Test matches, he has amassed 246 wickets at an average of 31.72. His limited-overs statistics are equally impressive, boasting 317 wickets in 247 ODIs at an average of 29.52. Shakib’s contribution to T20 cricket is no less remarkable, with 149 wickets in 126 matches at an average of 20.91. His dominance with the ball and reliability as a lower-order batsman underline his importance in the sport.

While Shakib’s future with the national team remains uncertain, his remarkable on-field performances and the controversies surrounding his off-field activities have formed the backdrop for a turbulent chapter in Bangladeshi cricket. Despite his exclusion, Shakib’s legacy as one of cricket’s most accomplished all-rounders remains intact, leaving fans to wonder whether they will see him don the Bangladesh jersey once more.