Shakib’s homecoming path cleared

Bangladesh cricket could soon witness a long-awaited homecoming as star all-rounder Shakib al Hasan appears set to return after nearly a year and a half abroad. On Tuesday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) submitted documents relating to Shakib’s legal cases to the government, a decisive step seen as clearing the path for his potential comeback.

Shakib, a former Bangladesh Awami League Member of Parliament, has not returned to the country since the government was ousted in August 2024. His last appearance in national colours came in a Test against India in Kanpur later that year. 

Since then, the 38-year-old has focused on franchise leagues worldwide, remaining absent from the national side.

Recently, the BCB emphasised its desire to have Shakib back for the upcoming home series against Pakistan in March, following discussions regarding his possible return.

During the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, Shakib was implicated in several cases, including a murder charge, widely believed to have stemmed from his political association. 

In the recent past, Aminul Haque, the State Minister for Youth and Sports, said the government would move to resolve legal cases against Shakib and former captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza (also an Awami League Member of Parliament), paving the way for both senior players to resume their cricketing careers. Aminul noted that these cases needed to be settled “at the state level” to allow them to return to the sport.

Shakib’s legal team then prepared and submitted the documents to the BCB. Officials said many of the charges appeared to have been filed largely to harass him. The move is seen as a crucial step towards enabling Shakib to play for Bangladesh one last time, although batting coach Mohammad Ashraful believes he could even feature in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

“We have sent the papers of his (Shakib) cases to the government,” a senior BCB official confirmed to Daily Sun on Tuesday, declining to provide further details.

The development came hours after Bangladesh ODI skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz expressed his excitement at the prospect of sharing the field with Shakib again.

“Of course I would feel happy to play with him (Shakib) again. We have played together for many years. We also didn’t play together for the national side in the last few years. So if Shakib bhai plays, obviously I would feel elated,” Miraz told reporters in Rajshahi.

Bangladesh’s cricketing focus for the remainder of the year will shift to 50-over assignments, with qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup still at stake. The side has already secured a place in the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup, despite not featuring in the ongoing edition.

Hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, along with the eight highest-ranked Full Members in the ICC ODI rankings as of 31 March 2027, will make up 10 direct entrants in the 14-team ODI World Cup, while the remaining four spots will be decided through a qualifier. To secure direct qualification, Bangladesh, currently 10th in the rankings, must climb to ninth or higher before the deadline.

Bangladesh have 23 ODIs scheduled before the cut-off, starting with the home series against Pakistan in March. They are also set to host New Zealand, Australia, and India, alongside away series against Ireland, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. 

If India’s tour in August is cancelled, the total will reduce to 20 matches.

Given Bangladesh’s recent struggles in ODIs, particularly with their batting, the team management is keen on Shakib’s return, seeing him as a key reinforcement ahead of the World Cup qualification campaign. 

During his absence, Bangladesh have played 25 ODIs, winning seven, losing 17, with one no-result. They have suffered heavy defeats abroad, including series losses to New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka, while only managing home wins against Sri Lanka and the West Indies. These results underline the team’s need for experience and stability—qualities Shakib is expected to bring back to the side.