Shakib Al Hasan can don Bangladesh jersey in 2027 World Cup (Source: @arnuX05/x.com)
The cricket world is now busy with the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, but the preparations have already begun for the upcoming 2027 World Cup. As the teams are sharpening their skills, Bangladesh wish to have Shakib Al Hasan in the squad for the mega tournament.
Despite being one of the legends of the nation, the ace all-rounder is away from the side for a long time, due to a political matter. However, former coach Sohel Islam said he would not be surprised to see Shakib return and play in the 2027 ODI World Cup wearing Bangladesh’s jersey.
Sohel backs Shakib for a comeback in the 2027 ODI World Cup
Among all the legends of the Bangladesh cricket, Shakib Al Hasan stood tall as the ace all-rounder set a different benchmark of being the absolute best in the business. Yet in recent years, Bangladesh has felt his absence amid ongoing political tensions. Despite being away from his homeland, he expressed a desire to play his last match on home soil.
Having already been absent from the Test and T20I formats, Shakib Al Hasan was once considered for Bangladesh’s squad in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. However, that possibility never materialized as he didn’t don the Tigers’ jersey.
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Another edition of the ODI World Cup is commencing next year, and teams have already started planning, aiming for a successful tournament. As Bangladesh aimed for a strong comeback in the tournament, they are keen to bring Shakib Al Hasan back in the squad to give the side a massive boost.
Whether he will come back or not, that is still a mystery, but former Bangladesh coach Sohel Islam backed the ace all-rounder for a mighty comeback. When he was asked whether he would be surprised, he said, “No, why would I be surprised?”
Shakib’s return could happen if the political deadlock ends
Over the years, Shakib Al Hasan has been a massive strength of the Bangladesh side, and his prolonged absence has left a clear void in the side. From bilateral series to ICC events, the Tigers struggled everywhere.
As they seek a revival in the upcoming ODI World Cup, Sohel backed the Bangladeshi star. Reflecting on this, he said that he would not be surprised to see Shakib return if the political issues are resolved.
“If the problems are cleared, Shakib will always remain a strong option for us. There’s nothing surprising about him playing for the team again. His quality as a cricketer has never been in question,” he added.
Bangladesh to face Pakistan in their next ODI assignment
After walking away from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, Bangladesh is out of cricket action for a long time now. Playing their last ODI series back in October 2025, the Tigers are set to return in the 50-over format as they are all set to face Men in Green in a three-match ODI series. After BCB released their squad for the ODI series, Shakib Al Hasan faced a snub.
As the Pakistan are set to arrive in Bangladesh on March 8, the first match of the series will be played on March 11. With limited opportunities left to shape their ODI plans before the 2027 ODI World Cup, the series has become a crucial chance for Bangladesh to fine-tune their game.
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