BCB plans Shakib Al Hasan’s possible return to Bangladesh team amid T20 World Cup 2026

Shakib Al Hasan may return to the Bangladesh national cricket team in the near future as discussions regarding his legal case continue. The government is prepared, and the Bangladesh Cricket Board has also taken necessary steps regarding his possible comeback. Shakib has expressed his interest in representing the national team again. The primary concern remains the legal case filed against him after August 5, 2024, and the process of resolving the matter, though some progress has been reported.

According to Asif Akbar, a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, efforts are underway to withdraw the case against Shakib. He stated that Shakib’s legal representatives have been in contact with the board and that the required documents are being prepared for submission to the relevant ministry.

A formal file containing the allegations has already been prepared. Shakib’s lawyer has communicated with the BCB regarding the case. The file is expected to be forwarded to the ministry soon, possibly within a few days, after which the final decision will rest with the government authorities.

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Government Support and Possible Return of Shakib Al Hasan

Sources suggest that the government has given a positive signal about the possible return of Shakib Al Hasan to the national team. The newly appointed State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, previously said that senior cricketers should not be affected by political situations. Before taking office, he also supported the return of senior players such as Shakib and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. After assuming office, he said the government would try to help if their return was possible.

Career and Farewell Plan

Some critics have questioned whether Shakib should return because of his past political association. Asif Akbar said that Shakib has already explained his position and expressed regret publicly. He also said that Shakib told him in the United States that he wants to continue playing for the Bangladesh national cricket team and hopes to finish his career after playing one final series.

Asif added that Shakib has served Bangladesh cricket for a long time, and the board believes he deserves a proper farewell. In a board meeting, officials discussed the matter and agreed that they want Shakib back in the national team as a player.

The Legendary cricketer also said in an interview that he wants to retire after playing a complete series. He said he is still playing because he wants to end his cricket career properly, and finishing with one last series would mean a lot to him.

Notably, Shakib Al Hasan last played for Bangladesh in a Test match against India national cricket team at Kanpur from September 27 to October 1, 2024. His last One Day International was against the Sri Lanka national cricket team in Delhi on November 6, 2023, while his last T20 International appearance was against the Afghanistan national cricket team in Kingstown on June 24, 2024.

Throughout his career, Shakib has been one of Bangladesh’s most successful all-rounders. In Test cricket, he has scored 4,609 runs in 71 matches with an average of 37.77 and has taken 246 wickets. In ODIs, he has scored 7,570 runs in 247 matches with an average of 37.29 and has claimed 317 wickets. In T20Is, he has scored 2,551 runs and taken 149 wickets, showing his value as both a batter and a bowler for the Bangladesh national cricket team.