Shakib Al Hasan (Source:X)In a significant development, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has taken its first formal step towards bringing back former captain Shakib Al Hasan into the national team setup. The board has retained him in the central contract list and confirmed that he will be considered for selection, subject to government clearance.The decision marks a clear change in the BCB's stance following months of uncertainty after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government.It is important to note that Shakib, a former Awami League Member of Parliament, had been sidelined amid political sensitivities. This announcement came on the same day the ICC officially removed Bangladesh from the 2026 T20 World Cup, replacing them with Scotland. Bangladesh had refused to travel to India for the tournament citing security concerns.BCB reopens door for Shakib Al HasanBCB officials confirmed that the Shakib Al Hasan will also be granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in overseas franchise tournaments. This move signals that the board is keen to keep Shakib active and available during a challenging phase for Bangladesh cricket.Many believe the sudden revival of Shakib's name was no coincidence. Attention had been firmly fixed on a long BCB board meeting with expectations of clarity on the T20 World Cup fallout. Instead, Shakib’s possible return dominated headlines.During a press conference that followed the meeting, BCB media committee chairman Amzad Hossain confirmed the board's position."The board has taken a unanimous decision that if Shakib Al Hasan’s availability, fitness and accessibility allow it — and if he can be present at the venue where matches are played — then the board and the selection panel will consider him for the national team," Hossain told reporters late Saturday."If he wants to participate in other global tournaments, the board will provide him NOC as required."However, the board did not clearly explain whether it had secured approval from the government, an important factor that previously kept Shakib out of the team. BCB director Asif Akbar said the board president would discuss the legal matter with authorities very soon.Shakib Al Hasan’s farewell dream on cardsBangladesh’s most successful all-rounder, Shakib has continued to play franchise cricket around the world but has repeatedly said his ultimate goal is to retire at home.Speaking earlier, he revealed a clear plan -"My plan is to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series of Tests, ODIs and T20s, and then retire,” Shakib said. "I want to say goodbye in front of the fans."He also admitted he remains unsure about the board's true intentions. In previous interviews, Shakib suggested that renewed discussions around his return may be driven more by his star value."I cannot say whether they are really keen or not,” he said. “I cannot read other people's minds."Uncertain road ahead for ShakibThe fact cannot be denied that Bangladesh is going through a difficult time after missing the T20 World Cup 2026. Now that Shakib Al Hasan's return is on the cards, the vital question remains- will this move receive political clearance, and is it part of a long-term plan or a short-term distraction for Bangladesh.
