Shakib Al Hasan Return
Shakib Al Hasan has expressed his desire to represent Bangladesh at the 2027 Cricket World Cup. However, his situation is far more complicated than that of most players, with politics playing a major role in the story. Should fans expect a Shakib Al Hasan return, or will his dream of playing one final tournament remain out of reach?
Why a Shakib Al Hasan Return Is So Complicated
The difficult position in which the decorated cricketer now finds himself stems from his ties to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country in 2024 following a wave of protests. The crisis also affected Hasan, forcing him to step away from the national team and leave Bangladesh because he feared for his safety.
The cricketer currently lives in the United States, but he has expressed a desire to return home, play international cricket again and earn a place in Bangladesh’s squad for the World Cup in Africa. The 39-year-old would then like to call time on his international career after the tournament.
Shakib Al Hasan has not returned to Bangladesh since August 2024. Nevertheless, he hopes to establish contact with the country’s current prime minister, Rahman, and discuss a possible comeback to the national cricket team. Hasan is even prepared to stand trial over the serious charges brought against him, including a murder charge, provided that his safety is guaranteed. However, the current government does not appear particularly interested in facilitating the return of Shakib Al Hasan.
Speaking about the situation, Hasan said:
“If the government gives me assurances that my safety will be guaranteed, I will be happy to return. I am ready to stand trial and do whatever is required to resolve the situation because I know that I have not done anything illegal.”
Shakib Al Hasan said that his lawyer had sent letters to the ministries of home affairs, justice and sports, as well as to the police, requesting that the charges against him be dropped. However, he did not receive a response from any of them.
Hasan had already attempted to return to Bangladesh in late 2024 after receiving assurances from the government that his safety would be protected. However, while he was in Dubai, he was forced to turn back and return to New York. A social media post congratulating Hasina subsequently became the reason he was barred from entering the country.
Does Bangladesh Need Shakib Al Hasan Back in the Squad?
Bangladesh has already qualified for the Cricket World Cup and currently sits fourth in the ICC World Test Championship standings. Their position can hardly be described as poor, but it is not perfect either. Several key players have picked up injuries, forcing the team to field a mixed squad in the ongoing Test series against Australia.
Against this backdrop, the return of the former captain would clearly strengthen the national side, particularly given Hasan’s vast international experience. However, uncertainty does not necessarily mean desperation. For that reason, a Shakib Al Hasan return is not currently being considered for Bangladesh’s upcoming matches.
Hasan said:
“I feel great. I still love cricket and enjoy playing the game. Of course, age is working against me, and even though I am still playing well, I know that I do not have much time left on the field.”
The decision on whether Shakib Al Hasan will be allowed to represent the national team again will have to be made at the highest level. It does not depend solely on the selectors or officials at the Bangladesh Cricket Board. That makes the situation considerably more complicated and drawn out, while depriving the player of his most valuable remaining resource – time, which is quickly running out.
What Are the Chances of a Shakib Al Hasan Return?
The main problem for Hasan is not simply that he was associated with the former prime minister. The bigger issue is that he continues to maintain close ties with Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League.
Shakib Al Hasan has made it clear that he has no intention of distancing himself from the former prime minister. He reinforced that position by appearing virtually alongside Hasina at a press conference held in New Delhi.
To some extent, the cricketer’s future now depends on Sheikh Hasina, whose reputation in Bangladesh remains deeply damaged. Consequently, the chances of a Shakib Al Hasan return appear slim.
The current government has an extremely negative attitude towards the former prime minister’s party, of which Hasan was – and remains – a member. The situation could shift at some point in the future, but for now, it appears that the cricketer’s ambition to represent Bangladesh at the 2027 Cricket World Cup is unlikely to become a reality.
