Shakib Al Hasan (Source:X)
Bangladesh’s ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is once again at the centre of attention as discussions around his cricket return and possible participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup gather pace.
After months of uncertainty due to political changes in the country, fresh developments suggest that the veteran cricketer could soon make a comeback to the Bangladesh side.
BNP clears air on Politics, regarding Shakib Al Hasan's future
Shakib Al Hasan, who previously served under the Awami League government, has been abroad since the political shift.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) emerged victorious in the polls, which led to renewed debates over Shakib’s future in the national team.
However, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recently made it clear that politics should not interfere with sports.
Speaking to Daily Sun at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on July 20, 2025, he said the party has no objection to Shakib playing for Bangladesh if he is fit and in form.
“We do not have any problem with Shakib if he is fit to play. I do not want to mix sports with politics, and I do not believe in it either. Whoever is capable should be in the team.”
“Whether he returns depends on his form, and whether he is still actively playing. If someone is politically barred or involved in a criminal case, that is a different issue. But in sports, there is no reason to prevent anyone from playing based on politics,” he added.
2027 World Cup still on Shakib's radar
Shakib Al Hasan remains one of Bangladesh's most experienced cricketers. Though he has been active in franchise leagues around the world in recent years, he has not officially retired from international cricket.
When asked about the possibility of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup, the star player did not provide a direct answer but did not rule it out either.
He told Daily Sun that it is too early to think that far ahead and prefers to see how things unfold in the coming days.
“You are thinking too far ahead,” Shakib told Daily Sun. "Brother, let me see what happens in the coming days,” he said without elaborating further, suggesting he is ready to go with the flow, another characteristic that he has in himself.
BCB planning Shakib Al Hasan's comeback
According to earlier reports (Prothom Alo) the BCB has also expressed interest in bringing Shakib back to the setup.
According to BCB director Asif Akbar, the board is working closely with relevant authorities to resolve any legal or administrative matters that may stand in the way.
The immediate goal is to include Shakib in the upcoming home series against the Pakistan in March.
While there were talks about arranging a farewell series for the veteran, BCB officials have clarified that they are not thinking along those lines.
“He will come and play the Pakistan series. And he will also be eyeing the ODI World Cup next year. That was always his original plan — to come back, retire from Tests and T20Is, and then finish his international career in ODIs after the 2027 World Cup,” a source close to Shakib told Daily Sun.
As of now, the same reports suggest that Shakib is expected to return to Bangladesh later this month to start preparations. The report also includes that Shakib Al Hasan is likely to feature in the Pakistan series, followed by a long-term focus on the 2027 ODI World Cup.
