Bangladesh’s interim rulers have declared that the country’s greatest cricketer, Shakib Al Hasan, will never play for the national team again after a public spat triggered by a birthday message to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The controversy began on Sunday when Shakib, 38, posted a picture with Hasina on social media, referring to her as “appa” (elder sister) and wishing her a happy birthday. Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years before being forced to resign during mass student protests in August 2024, fled to India and has lived in exile since.

Shakib, a former Awami League member of parliament, has not returned to Bangladesh since the agitation began last July. While he has retired from T20Is and largely stepped away from Tests, he still plays ODI cricket and is widely regarded as Bangladesh’s finest-ever player.

Government’s Hard Line

On Monday, Asif Mahmud, sports adviser to the interim government, told Dhaka-based Channel 24 that Shakib would never again don the red and green jersey. “We cannot let him carry the Bangladesh flag,” Mahmud said. “It won’t be possible for me to allow him to wear the Bangladesh jersey. My clear direction for the BCB is that Shakib Al Hasan can never again play for Bangladesh.”

Mahmud accused the all-rounder of being “deeply entangled” with Awami League politics, dismissing Shakib’s claim that he had only contested elections to serve his constituency in Magura.

Social Media Spat

Before his television remarks, Mahmud appeared to respond to Shakib on Facebook, writing: “All of you have abused me a lot for not rehabilitating one person. But I was right. End of the discussion.”

Shakib fired back almost immediately: “So someone has finally accepted that it’s because of him that I can never put on the Bangladesh jersey again, because of whom I can’t play for Bangladesh again. Maybe I will return to my motherland one day. Love you, Bangladesh.”

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Shakib Defends Birthday Post

Speaking later, Shakib defended his message to Hasina, insisting it had no political intent. “She has always followed cricket seriously. We had a relationship through that even before politics,” Shakib told Channel 24. “I wished her from that point of view. There was no other motive.”

A Cricketer in Exile

Shakib last played for Bangladesh in late 2024 against Pakistan and India but has since been left out of the national side. He continues to feature in franchise leagues abroad, spending much of his time in the USA.

The interim government has also confirmed that the cricketer is under federal investigation for allegedly embezzling over £15 million from the stock market, further clouding his chances of a comeback.

For now, the man who has carried Bangladesh cricket for nearly two decades appears to have played his last match for the country, not because of his form or fitness, but due to politics far beyond the cricket field.

As the Asia Cup 2025 enters its final week, passionate cricket fans across Asia have witnessed an exhilarating display of competitive international cricket in this year’s tournament, hosted in the United Arab Emirates.

The pitch conditions in the UAE have posed unique challenges with slow tracks testing the patience, timing, and shot selection of batters while bowlers have often struggled to contain the tournament’s explosive batting line-ups.

Despite these conditions, the Asia Cup 2025 has delivered a spectacle filled with breathtaking performances, nail-biting finishes, and unforgettable moments that highlight the evolution of modern-day limited-overs cricket on a high-pressure continental stage.

Amid the rise of several young cricket stars, it’s hard not to imagine how retired cricket legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shakib Al Hasan would have performed under these testing conditions.

Their immense experience, tactical awareness, and match-winning temperament could have elevated the standard of play even further. Thinking hypothetically about these former greats of Asian cricket provides an intriguing insight into how their presence might have influenced team strategies, momentum swings, and even the ultimate outcome of crucial matches in the Asia Cup 2025.

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3. Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan, the legendary all-rounder from Bangladesh, completes the list of cricket icons who could have left a lasting mark on the Asia Cup 2025. Known for his exceptional versatility, Shakib has been one of the finest Bangladesh all-rounders in modern cricket, consistently delivering match-winning performances both with the bat and ball.

His ability to stabilize the innings under pressure and break crucial partnerships with his accurate left-arm spin has made him an invaluable asset throughout his international career. Over the years, he has been the cornerstone of Bangladesh cricket, often turning matches around with his experience, cricketing intelligence, and calm composure during high-stakes contests.

The presence of the Dhaka-born cricket legend could have significantly influenced the dynamics of the Asia Cup 2025, bringing much-needed leadership and experience to Bangladesh’s campaign. His knack for reading match situations and shifting momentum through both batting and bowling disciplines made him a true game-changer.

Beyond his personal impact, Shakib’s mentorship would have been instrumental in guiding emerging Bangladesh cricketers, helping nurture the next generation of talent on the international stage.

Even after announcing his retirement from white-ball formats, his absence continues to be felt deeply in the Bangladesh cricket team, as his all-round brilliance and competitive edge would have made Bangladesh a serious contender for the continental crown in the Asia Cup 2025.

2. Rohit Sharma

Another great of Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma, stands as one of the most accomplished limited-overs batsmen in the modern era. After leading the Indian cricket team to glory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, the former Indian captain announced his retirement from T20 internationals, marking the end of a golden chapter.

Known for his elegant stroke play and explosive batting at the top order, Rohit Sharma has long been a match-winner for India across multiple Asia Cup tournaments. With an impressive record of 271 runs in just nine innings and a strike rate exceeding 140, he has consistently provided India with strong starts and momentum in crucial encounters.

Calm under pressure yet capable of switching gears instantly, Rohit’s composure and tactical awareness have made him one of India’s greatest limited-overs openers and most dependable run-scorers.

In contrast, young opener Abhishek Sharma impressed fans during the 2025 T20 World Cup with his fearless batting and strike rate nearing 200. However, Rohit Sharma’s presence would have brought invaluable experience and leadership to the Indian side in the Asia Cup 2025.

His deep understanding of pitch conditions in the subcontinent, ability to read bowlers, and knack for punishing loose deliveries could have turned matches in India’s favor. As one of the most successful Indian openers, his blend of patience and aggression would have made India’s top order even more formidable, potentially redefining their batting dominance in the Asia Cup 2025.

1.Virat Kohli

Former Indian captain and T20 legend Virat Kohli is undoubtedly one of the greatest players who could have left a massive imprint on the Asia Cup 2025.

Although retired from T20 internationals and unavailable for selection, Kohli’s extraordinary record in the Asia Cup continues to stand as a benchmark for consistency and dominance. Across various T20 Asia Cup editions, Virat Kohli has amassed an impressive 429 runs in just nine innings at an incredible average of 85.80, making him the highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history.

His unmatched ability to perform under pressure has often set the foundation for the Indian cricket team’s success on the continental stage.

Kohli’s batting technique, a blend of controlled aggression and precise timing, made him almost unplayable in Asian subcontinent conditions. His mastery at rotating strike, building partnerships, and accelerating at the perfect moment consistently dismantled opposition bowling attacks.

In the challenging UAE pitch conditions, his experience and adaptability would have been crucial for India’s batting lineup during the Asia Cup 2025. Beyond pure statistics, Virat Kohli’s leadership aura, mental toughness, and game awareness would have brought stability and belief to the team. His presence alone could have inspired younger Indian cricketers and added match-winning momentum in key moments of this year’s Asia Cup.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What makes the Asia Cup 2025 unique compared to previous editions?

The Asia Cup 2025, hosted in the United Arab Emirates, has stood out for its challenging pitch conditions and slow tracks that have tested both batters and bowlers. Despite these hurdles, fans have witnessed thrilling contests, close finishes, and the rise of several young cricket stars, making it one of the most competitive editions in recent years.

2. How would Virat Kohli have influenced India’s performance in the Asia Cup 2025?

Virat Kohli’s experience and remarkable record in T20 Asia Cup history would have made a major impact on India’s campaign. With 429 runs in just nine innings at an average of 85.80, Kohli’s ability to build innings and perform under pressure could have provided stability and leadership to India’s batting lineup in the UAE’s testing conditions.

3. What impact could Rohit Sharma have made in the Asia Cup 2025?

Rohit Sharma, known for his consistency and explosive starts, would have brought invaluable experience to India’s top order in the Asia Cup 2025. His proven ability to dominate bowlers, read pitch conditions, and provide calm leadership would have strengthened India’s chances, making him a crucial figure had he been part of the tournament.

4. Why is Shakib Al Hasan’s absence felt in the Asia Cup 2025?

As one of Bangladesh’s greatest all-rounders, Shakib Al Hasan’s absence has been deeply felt in the Asia Cup 2025. His dual skill set stabilizing innings with the bat and breaking partnerships with his left-arm spin would have provided balance, leadership, and depth to Bangladesh cricket, potentially turning them into strong contenders for the continental title.

5. How have the conditions in the UAE affected the Asia Cup 2025 matches?

The UAE’s slow and spin-friendly pitches have made scoring difficult, testing the patience and shot selection of batters. Bowlers, on the other hand, have struggled to maintain consistency against aggressive batting line-ups. These unique conditions have added strategic depth and showcased the adaptability required in modern-day limited-overs cricket.

During the India vs Bangladesh Super Fours fixture in the Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai on Wednesday (September 24), Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman set a new T20I record for his nation after surpassing the legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. 

After sending India to bat first, Bangladesh restricted India to 168/6 in 20 overs. Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman had the bowling figures of 4-0-33-1, as he took the wicket of Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for only five runs. In that same over, where the Indian skipper was dismissed after the confident Bangladesh took a successful review, in-form Indian opener Abhishek Sharma was run out after a brilliant fielding from Rishad Hossain, as Mustafizur finished the job. 

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Mustafizur Rahman broke Shakib Al Hasan's record: Leading T20I wicket-taker for Bangladesh

With the wicket of Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, Mustafizur Rahman completed his 150 T20I wickets, as he became the first Bangladesh bowler to complete 150 T20I wickets. That wicket made Mustafizur the leading T20I wicket-taker for Bangladesh, as he surpassed the legendary left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan, who took 149 wickets in his T20I career. 

After the Afghan star Rashid Khan, Mustafizur became the second Asian to record 150 T20I wickets. Meanwhile, he also became the second pacer to bag 150 T20I wickets, just after the New Zealand legend Tim Southee. Overall, the Bangladesh left-arm pacer became the first left-arm pacer and fourth bowler to complete 150 T20I wickets.

Bowlers with 150 T20I wickets

• Rashid Khan (Afghanistan/ICC World XI): 173 T20I wickets
• Tim Southee (New Zealand): 164 T20I wickets
• Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh): 150 T20I wickets
• Ish Sodhi (New Zealand): 150 T20I wickets

Mustafizur has taken eight wickets in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, as he is currently the third leading wicket-taker in this T20 tournament. 

Mustafizur has taken 356 international wickets, as he is the third leading wicket-taker for Bangladesh in international cricket. 

The former Bangladesh captain and veteran all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, has added another feather in his successful career with his 500th wicket in the shortest format during the ongoing 2025 season of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), featuring for the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. He earned the feat against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. 

The left-arm spinner, Shakib Al Hasan, is now the fifth leading wicket-taker of the shortest format with 502 scalps as he stays behind Rashid Khan, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, and Imran Tahir. On the 15th over of the innings, Shakib reached the milestone on the third delivery when Jayden Seales grabbed a fine catch on the boundary line.

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Shakib created another chance in the same over when the Pakistan ODI captain, Mohammed Rizwan, went for a huge shot only to get a top edge before ending up in the hands of the bowler. He was stuck again in the next over to finish with a fine spell of 3/11 in three overs. Shakib joins a successful list of bowlers.

Shakib Al Hasan becomes first player in T20s to complete double of 7000 runs and 500 wickets

He is the only player in the history of the shortest format to complete both 7000 runs and 500 wickets, with the closest being the former West Indies captain, Dwayne Bravo, who has 631 wickets and 6970 runs. Andre Russell has scored 9361 runs and needs another 13 wickets to earn the feat.

Shakib’s legacy is further elevated by the nine player of the series awards in T20s, the most by a cricketer. He stands ahead of Virat Kohli and Wanindu Hasaranga in the list. Among all the spinners, none of them has more five-wicket hauls than Shakib, who has achieved the feat five times. This puts him in the joint-second place with Lasith Malinga, Shaheed Adridi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Tahir, who are trailing David Wiese (7).

In 436 innings of the T20s where he has bowled at least two overs, 41.51% of % time Shakib’s economy rate stays under six, which is 181 times out of 436. He is behind Narine, Rashid, and Imad Wasim in the list.

The plane crash incident in a classroom in Dhaka, Bangladesh, left everyone stunned. A shadow of grief has cast over the entire nation, including the sports sector. After the event, Bangladesh cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan expressed his deep sorrow about the tragic incident.

A training plane crashed on a classroom of Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka, which resulted in multiple deaths and many others with injuries. Hasan took to his social media handle to mourn the Milestone school incident. Sharing his heartfelt condolences, the cricketer wrote on his social media post, "What has happened today at Milestone is beyond heartbreaking. We are shaken. A place of learning has turned into a site of tragedy. So many young lives, so many dreams are gone in an instant."

As a father, countryman, and human being, the disastrous incident has disturbed him. He said that the pain of the victims' families feels personal to him. "As a father, as a Bangladeshi, and simply as a human being, this pain feels deeply personal. My heart is with every family mourning a loved one, every student fighting for their life, and every person affected by this terrible incident," he added in the same social media post. 

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Prayers for the families 

"Let us keep everyone affected in our thoughts and prayers. May those we’ve lost rest in peace, and may those who are injured find strength and healing. As a nation, we mourn together. Words may fall short in moments like these, but through our unity and collective support, we can stand beside those who are grieving."

Shaheen Afridi, star cricketer of Pakistan, also commented on the horrifying incident. He prayed for miracles and strength for the families. "Heartbreaking and tragic. Prayers for the victims of #BangladeshPlaneCrash. Hoping for miracles and strength for the families."

Dubai Capitals successfully defended 165 runs at the Providence Stadium in Guyana in the opening match of the Global Super League 2025. Shakib Al Hasan, who scored 58 off 37 balls at number 5 to be the top batsman for DC, led the bowling effort with brilliant figures of 4 for 13 from his 4 overs.

On the other hand, Hobart Hurricanes played their first match of the tournament. They have a strong batting unit featuring Ben McDermott, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Mohammad Nabi.

DC vs HUR Match Details

Date: July 11th, 2025

Time:  7:30 PM IST

Venue: Providence Stadium, Guyana 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

DC vs HUR Weather Report

Clear weather and a nice evening are expected for the game.

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Top Batters DC vs HUR

• Shakib Al Hasan (DC) - 58 runs in this tournament 

• Sediqullah Atal (DC) - 41 runs in this tournament 

• Jesse Bootan (DC) - 20 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler DC vs HUR

• Shakib Al Hasan (DC) - 4 wickets in this tournament 

• Khuzaima Tanveer (DC) - 2 wickets in this tournament 

• Dominic Drakes DC) - 1 wickets in this tournament 

DC vs HUR Recent Performance

DC vs HUR Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If HUR bats first

• First Innings score prediction- HUR is expected to score 135-150 runs

• Result prediction- DC will win the match by 4 Wickets.

Scenario 2- If DC bats first

• First Innings score prediction- DC is expected to score 165- 175 runs.

• Result prediction- DC will win the match by 15-20 Runs

DC vs HUR Predicted Playing XI

Hobart Hurricanes (HUR) Playing XI 

Tim Ward, Macalister Wright, Ben McDermott (WK),  Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jake Doran, Mohammad Nabi, Marcus Bean, Jackson Bird, Nikhil Chaudhary, Billy Stanlake, Odean Smith.

Dubai Capitals (DC) Playing XI

Kadeem Alleyne, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Sediqullah Atal, Gulbadin Naib(c), Shakib Al Hasan, Jesse Bootan, Jordan Johnson, Dominic Drakes, Aryaman Varma, Kaleem Sana, Khuzaima Tanveer.

DC vs HUR Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

Dubai Capitals To win

We predict that Dubai Capitals will be winning this Global Super League T20 match. The likes of Sediqullah Atal, Shakib Al Hasan, and Niroshan Dickwella will be key players to watch out for.

Central Stags, the winner of this year's Super Smash in New Zealand, will be looking to carry that momentum into the GSL. They have a very strong batting unit featuring Will Young, Tom Bruce and Doug Bracewell. 

On the other hand, Dubai Capitals are a new addition to the GSL this session, led by West Indies captain Rovman Powell.

CS vs DC Match Details

Date: July 1th, 2025

Time:  7:30 PM IST

Venue: Providence Stadium, Guyana 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

CS vs DC Weather Report

Clear weather and a nice evening are expected for the game.

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Top Batters CS vs DC

• Shakib Al Hasan (DC) - 7438 runs in T20

• Rovman Powell (DC) - 5047 runs in T20

• Will Young (CS) - 2538 runs in T20

Top Bowler CS vs DC

• Shakib Al Hasan (DC) - 493 wickets in T20

• Ajaz Patel (CS) - 141 wickets in T20

• Blair Tickner (CS) - 130 wickets in T20

CS vs DC Recent Performance

CS vs DC Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If CS bats first

• First Innings score prediction- CS is expected to score 135-150 runs

• Result prediction- DC will win the match by 5 Wickets.

Scenario 2- If DC bats first

• First Innings score prediction- DC is expected to score 165- 175 runs.

• Result prediction- DC will win the match by 15-20 Runs

CS vs DC Predicted Playing XI

Central Stags (CS) Playing XI 

Will Young, Doug Bracewell, Tom Bruce (c), Dean Foxcroft, Curtis Heaphy, Dane Cleaver (wk), William Clark, Blair Tickner, Jayden Lennox, Angus Schaw, Ajaz Patel.

Dubai Capitals (DC) Playing XI

Rovman Powell (c), Jordan Johnson, Kadeem Alleyne, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Gulbadin Naib, Dominic Drakes, Shakib Al Hasan, Farhan Khan, Keshav Maharaj, Zeeshan Naseer/ Kaleem Sana-Ur-Rahman.

CS vs DC Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

Dubai Capitals To win

We predict that Dubai Capitals will be winning this Global Super League T20 match. The likes of Rovman Powell, Shakib Al Hasan, and Niroshan Dickwella will be key players to watch out for

In a move that's already generating buzz, Bangladesh's premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has officially joined Dubai Capitals for the second edition of the Global Super League (GSL) 2025, starting July 10 in Guyana. His signing comes after South African spinner Keshav Maharaj was ruled out due to injury and just in time to add firepower to a star-studded Capitals squad.

Shakib’s absence from Rangpur Riders, his former GSL side and one of Bangladesh's top domestic franchises, has raised eyebrows. While the Riders initially explored bringing him back, team director Shanian Tanim confirmed they opted not to include him "keeping the current situation in mind" referring to Shakib’s continued absence from Bangladesh since the 2024 student protests. Though not banned, the veteran's inclusion could have stirred unwanted headlines.

“Shakib is still one of the most valuable players in franchise cricket,” Tanim said, “but we decided to go a different route this year.” With his departure, Rangpur enters the GSL without their talisman, while Dubai Capitals look ready to make a serious push for the title.

GSL 2025 Format & Full Dubai Capitals Schedule: Shakib Set for Rangpur Showdown

The Global Super League 2025 follows the same high-stakes format as its inaugural season four group matches per team, no semifinals, and only the top two teams qualify for the final on July 18. That means every game is a must-win.

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Dubai Capitals Fixtures – GSL 2025

The biggest talking point? Shakib Al Hasan facing Rangpur Riders on July 16 a spicy clash that could determine who plays the final. With the GSL’s compressed schedule and knockout-like format, Shakib’s experience and flair make Dubai Capitals one of the teams to watch. The all-rounder will be keen to make his mark in red, especially with a title on the line.

Since T20 Cricket was introduced more than two decades ago, the format was dominated by the batters, but as more T20 matches were held, bowlers became more accurate by sharpening their skills and by working on their variety. Bowlers became smarter and adjusted their lengths depending on the wickets and playing conditions to outfox the batters. The bowlers worked on bowling wicket-taking deliveries. In this piece, we discuss three bowlers who have racked up the most wickets in T20 cricket.

 The players mentioned in the list have showcased their skills time and again to get crucial breakthroughs for their sides that have changed the outcome of many matches. The bowlers mentioned in the list possess different skill sets depending on their strengths to bowl in different conditions and wickets, but their efficiency and consistency in taking crucial wickets have been second to none. We discuss these bowlers in detail:

1.Sunil Narine (574 wickets in 536 T20 games)

The former West Indian spinner has been among the most popular T20 players in the shorter format, as the spinner has played for different franchises in different T20 leagues globally. Narine has claimed 574 wickets in 536 T20 games in his T20 career so far.

He has this ability to change the length at the last moment by outsmarting the batters. Narine's variety enables him to take wickets on flat batting surfaces. The 37-year-old's bounce and flight are difficult to judge, making him a deadly option.

2.Imran Tahir (531 wickets in 428 T20 games)

The former South African leg spinner's deceptive length has troubled the batters. Tahir can outsmart the batters with his googlies and faster ones as the 46-year-old changes his length, keeping in mind a batter's strength.

Tahir doesn't turn the ball a long way, but his ability to attack the stumps and his ability to hold his line contain the runs and even help him get wickets. He has claimed 531 wickets in 428 T20 games. Tahir has the reputation of getting breakthroughs during the middle overs.

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3.Shakib Al Hasan (492 wickets in 444 T20 games)

Undoubtedly amongst the most skilful off-spinners in modern-day cricket, Shakib's length is difficult to read due to his round-arm action. Shakib uses his wrists and fingers cleverly, enabling him to turn the ball.

His flight and his ability to use the popping crease cleverly enable him to land the ball in the right areas, helping him gain wickets consistently in the T20 format. His biggest strength is his ability to take wickets during pressure situations. The left-arm spinner has claimed 492 wickets in 444 T20 games in his career.

Shakib Al Hasan has not played any recognised cricket since November last year. He also went into hiding, leaving his cricket career behind. However, he will return to cricket after six months.

Today, the Pakistan Super League team Lahore Qalandars announced on social media that Shakib will play for them for the rest of the tournament. He will join the team in Islamabad on May 17. The next day, the team has a match in Lahore. The franchise said that Shakib has been added as a replacement for Daryl Mitchell, who has injured his hand.

Shakib’s comments were included in the official statement from Lahore Qalandars sent to Pakistani media. The former Bangladesh captain said, "I am very happy to join the PSL this season. We are at an important stage of the tournament where every match is important. I enjoy watching this tournament, and now I look forward to playing on the field. Qalandars have strong support and good team spirit. I am excited to be part of a team that wants to do well."

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Shakib will make a strong impact: Samin

According to BCB sources, Shakib applied for a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the board last night to play in the PSL. The certificate has not been officially given yet, but the BCB has agreed in principle to allow him to play. Lahore Qalandars team director Samin Rana also shared his happiness about Shakib joining the team. 

"I am very happy that Shakib is joining the Lahore Qalandars family. His experience, skill, and all-around talent are valuable for our team, especially at this important time in the tournament. His presence will make our squad stronger. I believe Shakib will make a strong impact both on and off the field," Samin Rana said.

Lahore Qalandars are currently in fourth place in this year's PSL with 9 points from 9 matches. The team has one match left in the league stage. If they stay in the top four, they will reach the playoffs. Shakib has a lot of experience in T20 cricket. He has played 444 matches, scored 7,438 runs, and taken 492 wickets. He has also played for Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in the PSL before. He has been part of all major franchise leagues, including the IPL. Shakib last played a competitive match for Bengal Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League on November 30 last year.