Shakib Al Hasan Returns To Play Cricket With Bangladesh Pacer

Shakib Al Hasan for Bangladesh [Source: AFP]

Amid a turbulent phase of Bangladesh comeback calls and political and financial hustle-bustle, Shakib Al Hasan is all set to return to cricket for the upcoming edition of the Lanka Premier League.

Notably, the Bangladesh all-rounder has been signed by Jaffna Kings for LPL 2026, alongside Bangladesh's experienced pace bowler Taskin Ahmed, who will also represent the franchise as a direct signing ahead of the tournament.

Shakib Al Hasan Joins Jaffna Kings For LPL 2026

While speculation arose after Shakib's controversial and potential involvement in a massive stock market scam in Bangladesh, it seems the cricketer currently has no legal impediment to playing and performing in cricket.

Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed joining Jaffna Kings was confirmed by the tournament organisers through their social media announcement, which will have Shakib return to cricket almost after four months since the cricketer last played in the ILT20 2025-26.

In a social media post unveiling Shakib, the league captioned him as one of the greatest all-rounders in T20 cricket, where the post highlighted his experience and calibre in handling pressure situations, declaring him one of the major assets for Jaffna Kings.

Notably, Shakib Al Hasan has participated in the Lanka Premier League earlier too. Shakib featured for Galle Titans in the 2023 edition, where he scored 138 runs with the bat and took 10 wickets from the 10 matches he featured in.

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LPL, A Chance For Shakib To Prove His Worth?

Amid the comeback calls from Bangladesh national selector Habibull Bashar Sumon, clouds of uncertainty loomed as recent controversies unfolded in his name.

However, this Lanka Premier League will be his chance at redemption to salvage his way back into the national cricket team, where he will be able to showcase his performance, unlike in the ILT20, where his lacklustre performance didn't cut the ice for MI Emirates.

In the latest edition of the ILT20, Shakib Al Hasan played eight matches where he managed to take only three wickets and, with the bat, scored 115 runs, resulting in an underwhelming performance.

The 39-year-old, even though not struggling with any fitness issues, might have age as a barrier, which he would like to break in LPL 2026 by starting off the season with one of the most successful franchises in LPL history.

LPL Returns After 2 Years

The Jaffna Kings remain the most successful franchise in the tournament as they have won four out of the five titles across the editions the tournament has hosted.

The Lanka Premier League is significantly returning after a two-year break as the 2026 edition is scheduled to run from July 17 to August 8, and Jaffna Kings are set to open their campaign against Galle Marvels in Colombo.

The five-team tournament will have its last league stage match on August 2 between Jaffna and Colombo Strikers, as the play-offs will begin from August 5, with the final scheduled for August 8 at the R Premadasa Stadium.

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