Shakib Al Hasan in talks with BCB [Source: AFP]In a significant development, the BCB has initiated discussions with legendary allrounder Shakib Al Hasan for a possible international comeback in Bangladesh colours. The former captain, who is inarguably the best-ever cricketer from the country, played his last international match back in October 2024. However, the BCB plans to bring Shakib back into the national side despite the ICC expelling Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026. As a result, there are high chances that the experienced campaigner might get a farewell game on home soil before formally announcing his retirement from all formats of cricket. BCB's bold call on Shakib Al Hasan after T20 World Cup ousterVeteran allrounder Shakib Al Hasan hasn't played an international match in any format since featuring in the Kanpur Test against India in October 2024. The political instability in the country which saw Muhammad Yunus dethrone Sheikh Hasina and become the new Prime Minister, led to Shakib's ouster from Bangladesh under chaotic circumstances. As Shakib was associated with the Sheikh Hasina-led government, he had to shift his base once Muhammad Yunus took charge as the Prime Minister. The Yunus government banned him from entering the country, putting his international career in jeopardy for an indefinite period. However, according to the latest report by BDCrictime, the BCB has initiated talks with Shakib for a potential international comeback. The development comes as a massive encouragement for Bangladesh's passionate fan base following a controversial exit from the T20 World Cup 2026. Shakib Al Hasan in talks with BCB for Bangladesh comebackAs reported earlier, the BCB board directors, Amzad Hussain and Asif Akbar, had revealed that Shakib Al Hasan might make a dramatic comeback to the Bangladesh cricket team, if the government allows him to enter the country following an indefinite exile. On January 27, BDCrictime reported that the BCB has started conversations with the veteran allrounder, and chances are high that he could return to the country for a farewell series before hanging up his boots. “Yes, discussions are ongoing. We are in contact with Shakib," Amzad Hussain was quoted as saying by BDCrictime. What is Shakib Al Hasan's stance on the matter?It's worth noting that the Bangladesh government has yet to take a final call on Shakib Al Hasan's comeback to the country as well as the national cricket team. Having said that, the 38-year-old still remains hopeful of getting a second chance and signing off with a farewell series on home soil. “I still want to retire after playing a series properly. That desire hasn’t gone away. That’s why I’m still playing cricket. If I can finish with a series, it would mean a lot to me," Shakib told BDCrictime in a recent interview. The southpaw has been an absolute match-winner with bat and ball for Bangladesh. Besides scoring more than 14000 runs, Shakib Al Hasan has bagged 712 wickets, the most by a Bangladeshi player across all formats. If records are considered, he deserves a fitting farewell to conclude what has been a fabulous career so far.
