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.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. This will be the 10th edition of the tournament. A total of 55 matches will be played across eight venues, with five in India and three in Sri Lanka.

India, one of the co-hosts, are also the defending champions of the T20 World Cup. They won the 2024 edition held in the United States and the West Indies after beating South Africa in a thrilling final in Barbados. Team India had earlier won the first T20 World Cup in 2007 in South Africa.

West Indies and England are the only other teams to win the T20 World Cup twice. West Indies lifted the trophy in 2012 and 2016, while England won in 2010 and 2022. Over the years, several bowlers from different teams have delivered impressive performances in the Men’s T20 World Cup. In this feature, we take a look at the top wicket-takers in the ICC tournament.

Also read -Top 5 highest individual scores for India in T20 World Cup ft. Rohit Sharma

5. Rashid Khan (37 wickets)

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan is fifth on the list of bowlers with the most wickets in the T20 World Cup. In 23 matches, he has taken 37 wickets at an average of 14.89 and an economy rate of 6.30. He has taken three four-wicket hauls.

Rashid’s best figures of 4-9 came against Scotland in Sharjah in 2021. He also took 4-17 against New Zealand in Guyana in 2024, helping Afghanistan win by 84 runs. In the same edition, he claimed 4-23 against Bangladesh in Kingstown, as Afghanistan won by eight runs under the DLS method.

4. Wanindu Hasaranga (37 wickets)

Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has also taken 37 wickets in the T20 World Cup. He is placed above Rashid Khan because he played fewer matches. In 19 matches, he took 37 wickets at an average of 11.72 and an economy rate of 6.00.

His best figures of 3-8 came against the UAE in Geelong in 2022. He also took 3-28 against the Netherlands at the same venue. Hasaranga claimed 3-13 against Afghanistan in Brisbane. He picked up 16 wickets in 2021 and 15 wickets in 2022.

3. Lasith Malinga (38 wickets)

Former Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga is third on the list. He led Sri Lanka to the 2014 T20 World Cup title. In 31 matches, he took 38 wickets at an average of 20.07 and an economy rate of 7.43.

Malinga’s best figures of 5-31 came against England in Pallekele in 2012. He was named Player of the Match as Sri Lanka won by 19 runs. He also took 3-17 against Pakistan in 2009 and 3-28 against West Indies in 2010.

2. Shahid Afridi (39 wickets)

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi is second on the list. In 34 matches, he took 39 wickets at an average of 23.25 and an economy rate of 6.71. He recorded two four-wicket hauls.

Afridi’s best figures of 4-11 came against the Netherlands at Lord’s in 2009. He also took 4-19 against Scotland in 2007. Afridi picked up 12 wickets in 2007 and 11 wickets in 2009, when Pakistan won the title.

1. Shakib Al Hasan (50 wickets)

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is the leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history. He has taken 50 wickets in 43 matches at an average of 20.12 and an economy rate of 6.86. He has claimed three four-wicket hauls.

Shakib’s best figures of 4-9 came against Papua New Guinea in 2021. He also took 4-15 against Oman in 2016 and 4-34 against West Indies in 2007. Shakib picked up 11 wickets in 2021 and 10 wickets in 2016.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is making strong efforts to bring former national captain Shakib Al Hasan back into the Bangladesh team. March is the most likely time for his return.

BCB officials said the plan is not to arrange a farewell series for the star all-rounder at this moment. Instead, the board wants Shakib to make a proper comeback and continue playing for the national team, not just for one series.

BCB director Asif Akbar confirmed that talks are already happening at a high level. Speaking to a Bangladeshi media outlet, Prothom Alo, he said, “Our board president is in contact with the government authorities about this issue. We hope Shakib can return to the national team during the home series against Pakistan in March.”

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Shakib Still Away From the National Team

Shakib Al Hasan has not returned to Bangladesh since August 5, 2024. He wanted to play the Mirpur Test against South Africa, but some issues stopped him from playing. After the tours of Pakistan and India, he has not played for the national team. Earlier plans about his retirement also did not work out.

Shakib Wants a Proper Farewell

In a recent interview with a Bangladeshi media, Shakib said he still wants to retire on a positive note.

“I still want to retire after playing a full series,” Shakib said. “That is why I am still playing cricket. If I can finish after a series, it will feel right to me.”

BCB Working on His Return

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided to work on Shakib’s return in a board meeting on January 24. Board directors Amzad Hussain and Asif Akbar later confirmed that the government has been contacted to help bring him back.

However, the board wants Shakib to play for a longer time. 

“We want Shakib to play for Bangladesh again, starting with the Pakistan series,” Asif Akbar told in Bangladeshi media outlet Prothom alo. “First, we need to create the chance. After that, it will be his decision if he wants to continue.”

Bangladesh will host Pakistan for a three-match ODI series in March, before the Pakistan Super League later that month. Pakistan will also return in May for a two-match Test series.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to bring back their former captain and veteran spinner, Shakib Al Hasan, and reopen the door for his return to international cricket, which remains subject to the government’s clearance. The decision marks the first formal move of the side towards reinstating Shakib since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and comes a few hours after their exit from the T20 World Cup 2026.

The BCB continues to back the veteran all-rounder, despite the prolonged absence from the national side and his political association with the previous clash. The board has confirmed it will issue the captain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the overseas tournaments.

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“We have decided that if Shakib is available and fit to play wherever the matches are held, then he will be considered for the team. Shakib Al Hasan will also be able to participate in other tournaments because the board will provide him with an NOC.” The board official expressed, as quoted by India Today.

Shakib Al Hasan reported to return for Bangladesh

Shakib has collected 4609 runs in 130 innings of the Test matches at an average of 37.77 and picked up 246 wickets at 31.72. In terms of the 50-over format, the spinner has clubbed 7570 runs in 234 innings, besides earning 317 wickets at an average of 29.52. In the shortest format, he has bagged 149 wickets and scored 2551 runs.

Shakib, whose last international clash for the Bangladesh side came in October 2024 against India in the second Test match in Kanpur, revealed his wish to return to Bangladesh for the farewell encounter. For the T20 WC 2026, Scotland has replaced them in the event.

“I am hopeful of returning to Bangladesh, and that is why I am still playing. The only reason I am continuing is to stay fit and retire at home. I plan to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series of Tests, ODIs, and T20s, and then retire. It would be a nice way to say goodbye to the fans who have always supported me and to give something back,” Shakib addressed.

Since August 5, 2024, Shakib Al Hasan may no longer be on the field, but his presence is still felt in the stands through placards held high by fans. Despite criticism and controversy over his association with the previous government, the love for Shakib remains strong.

At 38, Shakib has shared a deeply personal wish—to wear the Bangladesh jersey one last time, not for records or milestones, but for the fans. He hopes to end his international career with a full-format series at home, in front of the people who have supported him throughout his journey.

Speaking to a Bangladeshi media outlet, Shakib said his desire to retire on his own terms is still strong. “Yes, that wish is still there—to retire after playing a proper series,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons I’m still playing cricket.”

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Shakib Still Hopes for a Farewell Series at Home

Although he is currently outside the national setup, Shakib Al Hasan says he has no regrets. He revealed that his original plan was to end his international career at the Champions Trophy. “I had planned to finish at the Champions Trophy, so there’s no regret,” Shakib said. “That tournament was supposed to be the end of my international career. I’ve played everything apart from that. If I can finish with one more series, I’d feel good. If not, I’m fine with it.”

Despite this, Shakib’s desire to return comes mainly from his strong bond with fans. “If it happens, great,” he said with a smile. “If not, that’s okay too. But if I get the chance to play, it would be for my fans—the ones who support me without conditions. Doing this for them would mean a lot to me.”

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Why a Home Farewell Matters to Shakib

At present, a return to the Bangladesh team does not seem close. When asked if he would consider a farewell series outside the country, Shakib explained why playing at home is so important. “If it’s outside Bangladesh, my fans won’t feel the same,” he said. “They can already watch me on TV. But playing at home is different. They can come to the stadium, stay there, and support me. That feeling is special for both them and me.”

Recently, a fan in Chattogram was reportedly taken to a police station just for carrying a placard with Shakib’s name. The former captain said the incident was both painful and touching. “Of course, it feels bad,” he said. “I feel for my fans. The way they keep supporting me is beyond imagination. Even if I have faults, they have covered them with their love. They expect nothing in return. That kind of support is unbelievable.”

Shakib ended with gratitude and one final hope. “I’m truly thankful to my fans. That’s why I want to finish my career with a series in Bangladesh.”

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has officially registered for the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In total, ten Bangladeshi cricketers have submitted their names for the tournament.

Player registration for the next PSL season will remain open until January 20. Along with Mustafizur, several well-known players from Bangladesh cricket have shown interest in the league.

Mustafizur’s decision to register for the PSL comes after his sudden exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kolkata Knight Riders(KKR) had bought the left-arm pacer for ₹9.20 crore at the IPL auction after heavy bidding. However, due to pressure from extremist groups in India, the BCCI asked KKR to release the Bangladeshi fast bowler.

Also read-Top 5 list of batters with the most hundreds in the Ashes ft. Steve Smith

𝘽𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙞 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧ed 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙎𝙇 till now:

▪️Mustafizur Rahman
▪️Shakib Al Hasan
▪️Towhid Hridoy
▪️Taskin Ahmed
▪️Rishad Hossain
▪️Tanzid Hasan
▪️Mahmudullah Riyad
▪️Hasan Mahmud
▪️Litton Das

The number of Bangladeshi players… pic.twitter.com/Q2FzAYhbZ5

— Shadman Sakib Arnob (@arnuX05) January 7, 2026

🚨 MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN IN PSL 2026 🚨

- Mustafizur Rahman has officially signed up for PSL 2026. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tAya9MI5dw

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) January 6, 2026

According to Pakistani media reports on Wednesday, the  PSL officially confirmed Mustafizur Rahman’s participation through a social media post late on January 6. This made him the first Bangladeshi player to be confirmed for the PSL 2026 season.

Reports also say that a total of 10 Bangladeshi cricketers have completed the registration process.

Here are the 10 Bangladeshi cricketers who have registered for PSL 2026:

1. Taskin Ahmed
2. Shakib Al Hasan
3. Rishad Hossain
4. Tanzid Hasan
5. Towhid Hridoy
6. Mahmudullah Riyad
7. Hasan Mahmud
8. Litton Das
9. Nahid Rana
10. Mustafizur Rahman

Bangladeshi Players’ Growing Presence in PSL

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has steadily become a popular platform for Bangladeshi cricketers. In the previous season, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Rishad Hossain played for Lahore Qalandars, who went on to win the title.

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Concerns Over Player Safety and ICC Talks

Meanwhile, Litton Das was set to feature for Karachi Kings, while young fast bowler Nahid Rana travelled to join Peshawar Zalmi. However, Rana did not play a single match for Zalmi, and Litton returned home after suffering an injury. These incidents triggered widespread debate in the cricketing world, with questions raised about player safety in India ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally asked the ICC to consider shifting Bangladesh’s World Cup matches from India, citing security concerns. Discussions between the BCB and the ICC are currently ongoing.

Mustafizur Confirmed for PSL 2026

Amid these developments, PSL officials welcomed Mustafizur Rahman through a social media post on the night of January 6. Pakistani media later confirmed that Mustafizur is among the ten Bangladeshi cricketers who have completed their registration for the upcoming PSL season.

The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will start on February 07 with the Indian side playing their opening clash against the United States of America (USA) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. However, the curtain raiser will be between Pakistan and the Netherlands at the SSC Stadium in Colombo on the same morning. 

Over the seasons, many players earned success in the history of the T20 World Cup with the ball. Bowling in the shortest format isn’t an easy job, especially when the batters go after the bowler. But to keep the run-rate down, bagging wickets becomes crucial in the format. Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, as of now, leads the chart in the T20 World Cup history.

List of highest wicket-takers in ICC T20 World Cup history

1.   Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

One of the premier spin all-rounders of world cricket, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan has achieved massive success with the ball using the variation of pace, right line, and lengths of the ball. In the T20 World Cups, Shakib has overall bagged 50 wickets in 41 innings, averaging 20.12 and maintaining an economy rate of under seven, with the help of three four-wicket hauls.

Shakib, whose international career isn’t guaranteed to be back for the national side, has amassed 149 wickets in 126 innings of the T20Is at an average of under 21 and an economy rate of under seven, with the help of six four-wicket and two five-wicket hauls.

2.   Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)

The former Pakistan captain and the premier spin all-rounder of the side, Shahid Afridi, is second on the list with 39 wickets. In his six editions of the T20 World Cup, Afridi recorded those wickets in 34 innings at an average of 23.25 and an economy rate of 6.71, thanks to two four-wicket hauls.

See Also: Highest Run Scorers in ICC T20 World Cup History

Afridi, the 45-year-old, has overall bagged 98 wickets in 97 innings of the shortest format for the national side. He averaged 24.44 and a strike rate of 22.1 with an economy rate of under seven, thanks to three four-wicket hauls at the best bowling figure of 4/11 in an innings.

3.   Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)

The former Sri Lanka pacer, Lasith Malinga, is known for his slingy action to bowl the firing yorkers and fox the batters with the slower deliveries, especially in the death overs. In the history of the T20 World Cup, Malinga has overall pocketed 38 wickets in 31 innings at an average of 20.07 and a strike rate of 16.21 with an economy rate of 7.43.

The 42-year-old Galle-born pacer collected overall 107 wickets in 83 innings of the shortest format for the national side at an average of 20.79 and a strike rate of 16.80 with an economy rate of 7.42, thanks to two five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket haul.

4.   Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

In such a short time in his career, Sri Lanka’s mystery spinner has earned massive success with the ball, in various durations of the game. The right-arm pacer has featured in just three seasons of the event and enjoyed 37 wickets in 19 innings at an average of under 12 and a strike rate of 11.72 with an economy rate of exactly six, thanks to the best bowling figures of 3/8.

The 28-year-old Hasaranga has managed overall 146 wickets in 88 innings of the shortest format at an average of 15.86 and a strike rate of 13.6 and an economy rate of under seven, thanks to four four-wicket hauls at the best figures of 4/9 in an innings.

5.   Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

Afghanistan’s captain and the star player of the white-ball formats, Rashid Khan, has also earned so much success with the ball in the middle overs. In just 23 innings of the T20 World Cup history, the leg spinner has bagged 37 wickets at an average of under 15 and a strike rate of 14.16, thanks to an economy rate of 6.30, with the help of three four-wicket hauls.

The 27-year-old has overall fetched 182 wickets in the 108 innings of the shortest format at an average of under 14 and a strike rate of 13.5 with an economy rate of just over six, thanks to nine four-wicket and a couple of five-wicket hauls at the best figures of 5/3 in an innings.

Tylox, one of Bangladesh’s most popular home care brands, has appointed legendary Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar as its new brand ambassador. The brand is owned by Remark-Herlan Group, a leading manufacturer of cosmetics, skincare, and home care products in Bangladesh.

Tylox was previously represented by Bangladesh’s cricket star and world-renowned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who helped build the brand’s strong local image. With Shoaib Akhtar joining, Tylox now aims to increase its visibility and recognition internationally.

Widely known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” Shoaib Akhtar is one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history and a global symbol of speed, power, and aggression. According to Remark-Herlan officials, these qualities match Tylox’s core message of strong and effective cleaning performance.

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Tylox Strengthens Its Presence with Shoaib Akhtar

Tylox is a well-known name in Bangladesh’s home care segment, offering surface cleaning solutions to keep homes and workplaces clean, hygienic, and germ-free. Unlike many conventional cleaning products, Tylox products do not have harsh chemical odors and include Bangladesh’s only ammonia-free surface cleaning range, making them safe for everyday use.

The brand’s latest advertising campaign will feature Shoaib Akhtar under the slogan, “Clean means Tylox, Tylox means Clean.” As part of the partnership, Shoaib Akhtar will also represent other Remark-Herlan brands. Additionally, as the mentor of the Dhaka Capitals, he will be linked with Remark-Herlan as one of the team’s sponsors.

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Shoaib Akhtar on Cleanliness and Brand Goals

Reacting to his new role, Shoaib Akhtar said that cleanliness and hygiene are now essential in modern life. “Whether at home or at work, keeping things clean is the first step toward good health. I feel honoured to be associated with Tylox, a brand that promotes this important message,” he said.

He added that fitness and hygiene have always been important in his cricket career and remain equally important for everyone today. “I prefer to work with brands that have real-life use and social value. Tylox represents awareness, responsibility, and care in daily life,” Akhtar noted.

Tylox Chief Business Officer Marufur Rahman said the brand gained strong acceptance in the local market through Shakib Al Hasan and now wants to grow internationally. “With a global cricket icon like Shoaib Akhtar as our ambassador, Tylox will gain recognition beyond Bangladesh and appeal to international consumers,” he said.

Remark-Herlan Managing Director Nazmul Alam highlighted that Tylox is an all-in-one household surface cleaning solution that ensures cleanliness and leaves a refreshing environment. He added that Tylox products are made in one of the largest and most environmentally friendly factories in the region.

Bangladesh’s veteran all-rounder and the former captain, Shakib Al Hasan, has looked back at his suspension from the England Cricket Board (ECB) over the bowling action. He was found guilty when he was the representative of Surrey in the County Championship in the 2024/25 season. A year after the incident, he revealed that he did that intentionally.

Shabib informed that it was the first time he had bowled that many (70) overs in his career, and also hoped that the umpire would have warned him about it. The left-arm spinner played two successive red-ball games in Pakistan before flying to England.

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“I think I was doing it a little bit intentionally because I bowled more than 70 overs (in one match), I never bowled 70 overs in my career in a Test match. I was playing that four-day match for Surrey against Somerset in Taunton. I was so tired. I played back-to-back Test matches in Pakistan.” Shakib expressed on the Beard Before Wicket podcast.

Shakib Al Hasan drops stunning statement on his illegal bowling action from ECB

Shakib has overall smashed 6536 runs in 196 innings in first-class cricket at an average of 36.11 with the help of eight centuries and 41 half-centuries. He has also picked up 355 wickets in 108 games at an average of 30.34, thanks to 25 five-wicket hauls.

“We won that series, and then I went to play those four-day matches. The only thing I was thinking the umpire could have done was just warn me first, at least. But it is in the rules, so they had the right. I didn't complain.” Shakib revealed in the same podcast.

“I went to do the test, and I failed. And then I saw my test. I was like, 'Okay, so these things are happening. ' Then I had to train for a couple of weeks, so I went back to Surrey again, and they were kind enough to help me. I did two sessions, and I was back to normal. I was like, 'it's so easy'.” The left-arm spinner shed light.