Shakib Al Hasan during World Cup 2023 (Source: AFP Photos)
Shakib Al Hasan finally broke his silence on Bangladesh’s stance for the T20 World Cup 2026, which took place in India and Sri Lanka earlier this year. The 39-year-old, who has been away from playing for the country for a while, openly criticised the Bangladesh government for pulling out of the competition, citing it was a blunder made by them.
Bangladesh were in the news when they opted out of the T20 World Cup due to sudden geopolitical tensions between them and India. Later, Scotland replaced them to keep the tournament’s schedule intact as it was unveiled.
However, despite the fact that it all started due to Mustafizur Rahman IPL ban, Shakib went against his own country’s decision, saying that it was a "big loss" for them only.
Shakib Al Hasan Opens Up On Bangladesh's T20 World Cup Boycott
In a recent interview with RevSportz, Shakib shared his view on Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup. There, he highlighted the fact that how much cricket gets all the love in his country. Therefore, they should not have been pulled out of the competition, according to him, despite sudden unfortunate developments.
“I think that’s a big loss. Great miss as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned because we as a country love watching our players playing in the World Cup, playing matches,” Shakib told RevSportz.
Also Read: Cricket Scotland Breaks Silence As ICC Kicks Bangladesh Out Of T20 World Cup 2026
“We are a cricket-loving country and you know a country like Bangladesh not participating in the World Cup was a big loss. I think it’s a blunder from the government side that they took the decision not to participate in that World Cup," he added.
How Shakib Al Hasan Took India's Side Over Bangladesh?
Needless to say, given the fact that it was a tussle between India and Bangladesh for the latter’s T20 World Cup boycott, Shakib simultaneously took the side of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on the subject.
To be more precise, Shakib called out the Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh interim government. They wanted their match to be played in Sri Lanka, not in India, citing safety concerns. However, the ICC and the BCCI kept the matches and venues as per the original T20 World Cup 2026 schedule.
When Did Shakib Last Play For Bangladesh?
Shakib has not played a single match for Bangladesh since October 2024. It was a Test match between Bangladesh and India when he last wore the international jersey.
Other than that, his last ODI match was against Sri Lanka in November 2023, and his last T20I match was against Afghanistan in June 2024.
Will Shakib Al Hasan Play For Bangladesh Again?
Recently, the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) chairman of selectors Habibul Bashar shared his desire for Shakib to return to play for Bangladesh.
Now, the time will tell when exactly their greatest ever cricketer will play for their country.
Also Read: Bangladesh Cricket Board Official Issues Statement On Shakib Al Hasan's Comeback
