Shakib Al Hasan has played nearly 450 matches for Bangladesh | PC- X
Former Bangladesh captain and star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has signed a contract with a major T20 franchise league.
Last played for Bangladesh in October 2024, the 39-year-old all-rounder has become a free agent after a severe public backlash during the political outburst in the country.
Following it, the former Bangladesh sports minister had banned Shakib from wearing Bangladesh's national jersey, before it was later lifted.
NPL's Pokhara Avengers sign Shakib Al Hasan for 2026 season
With extensive experience, Shakib Al Hasan is closing in on the 500-match mark in T20 cricket. Moreover, he has featured in nearly a dozen franchise leagues. Adding another tournament to his palette, the Bangladesh all-rounder is set to play in the Nepal Premier League for Pokhara Avengers.
The franchise announced the signing through their official Instagram handle on Monday, calling Shakib the "greatest all-rounder in cricket history".
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"From the world stage to the peaks of Pokhara! The greatest all-rounder in cricket history is now an Avenger for Nepal Premiere League Season 3. Welcome to the family, Shakib Al Hasan!" the Pokhara Avengers said.
The 39-year-old all-rounder has inked a deal with the Pokhara Avengers for the NPL 2026, joining forces with captain Kushal Bhurtel and head coach Ajantha Mendis.
Shakib, one of the most decorated cricketers
With 447 international matches under his belt, Shakib Al Hasan has racked up nearly 15000 runs and snapped over 700 wickets at the highest level. Moreover, he has featured in 478 T20 games, scoring 7853 runs and scalping 515 wickets.
The former World No. 1 all-rounder has time and again proved himself in leagues like IPL (for Kolkata Knight Riders), PSL, BBL, ILT20, Vitality Blast, MLC and many more. Currently, the all-rounder is representing Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League, where Shakib is having a questionable stint.
Why is Shakib Al Hasan banned by Bangladesh?
Once regarded as one of the most important names in Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan became a victim of the riots that unfolded in the country back in 2024. The all-rounder was very close to former PM Sheikh Hasina, but her exit over a controversial government job-quota system brought Shakib into the public eye.
After the former PM fled the country, Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission alleged the cricketer was involved in stock market manipulation, embezzlement, and multiple other fraud cases.
Since then, the cricketer hasn’t been back home and has based himself in the USA, although he hasn't retired from international cricket.
Recently, the newly appointed sports minister Aminul Haque stated that the state will fast-track the case against the cricketer, helping him return to cricket swiftly.
"The government will deal with the matter concerning Shakib and Mashrafe. We want Shakib to return [to Bangladesh]. We hope those will be resolved swiftly so they can return. We also want Shakib and Mashrafe back in Bangladesh cricket," Haque had said earlier this year.
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