Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that former captain Shakib Al Hasan is now eligible for national team selection again.
The decision came late Saturday night after an eight-hour board meeting, at a time when Bangladesh has officially missed out on the T20 World Cup.
BCB Media Committee Chairman Amjad Hossain said the board has no objection to Shakib’s return to international cricket if certain conditions are met.
“If Shakib is available, fit, and able to reach the match venues, the board and selectors will consider him,” he told reporters.
However, Shakib’s return to Bangladesh remains uncertain. He has not been back in the country since August 2024, after the fall of the Awami League government.
Shakib was a Member of Parliament under the Sheikh Hasina-led government and contested the 2024 election, which faced allegations of irregularities and opposition boycott.
Shakib last played for Bangladesh in the Test match against India in Kanpur. He could not play his planned farewell Test in Mirpur due to protests and security concerns.
When asked about the legal cases filed against Shakib, the BCB made it clear that legal matters are not their responsibility.
“Whether he is a criminal or needs to face trial is an issue for the government, not the BCB,” Amjad said.
BCB director Asif Akbar also echoed the same view.
“We are not concerned about his political identity. We want Shakib the cricketer,” he said.
According to sources, the BCB president has been asked to speak with the government to ensure Shakib’s safe return if he is selected.
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