Shakib Al Hasan has been given a new opportunity to end his cricketing career on home soil. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) reinstated him to their central contract list on Saturday. Shakib, who previously served as an Awami League MP, had been removed from the contract list after the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This development comes at a time when the ICC has decided to exclude Bangladesh from the 2026 T20 World Cup after the team declined to travel to India for the tournament.
During a press conference on Saturday, BCB officials confirmed that Shakib Al Hasan remains in contention for national team selection.
A board official told, “We have decided that if Shakib is fit and available to play, regardless of where the matches are held, he will be considered for selection.”
He also mentioned, “Shakib Al Hasan will be allowed to take part in other tournaments as the board will issue him an NOC.”
Shakib Al Hasan has represented Bangladesh in 447 international matches, amassing 14,730 runs across all formats. He had earlier expressed his hope to play his farewell Test match in front of his home crowd.
“I’m hopeful of returning to Bangladesh, which is why I’m still playing. The main reason I’m continuing is to stay fit and retire at home,” Shakib said
“My goal is to return to Bangladesh, play a full series across Tests, ODIs, and T20s, and then retire. It would be a great way to say goodbye to the fans who have supported me all these years and give something back to them,” he added