After a two-season hiatus, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan made his return to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) but failed to make an impact with either bat or ball. His team, Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, suffered a six-wicket defeat against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Batting first at Warner Park in St Kitts, Antigua managed 121 all out in 17.1 overs. In reply, St Kitts chased down the target comfortably in 15 overs with six wickets in hand.

Shakib’s day with the bat started cautiously but ended in disappointment. Attempting a big shot off left-arm pacer Waqar Salamkheil, he was caught at long-off after scoring 11 runs from 16 balls. At number six, he could not stabilize the innings, and his contribution with the bat was minimal.

With the ball, Shakib bowled one over for six runs but was unable to claim any wickets, failing to provide the breakthrough his side desperately needed.

Antigua’s innings lacked significant contributions apart from Karima Gore, who top-scored with 61 off 34 balls, hitting 8 fours and 2 sixes. Early dismissals of openers Jewel Andrew and Rahkeem Cornwall put the team on the back foot, and Shakib’s inability to capitalize in the middle order left Antigua short of runs.

St Kitts got off to a strong start, with Evin Lewis and Andre Fletcher leading the chase. Fletcher anchored the innings while partners Alick Athanaze (37*) and Jason Holder (18*) ensured a smooth victory.

Despite the high expectations for Shakib on his CPL comeback, his failure with both bat and ball proved costly, and the Falcons’ return to the tournament ended on a disappointing note.