Shakib Al Hasan’s chapter in Bangladesh cricket appears to be over. He will no longer be allowed to represent the country in international cricket, according to Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan.
In a phone interview with private TV channel Channel 24 on Monday night, Asif declared, “He will not be allowed to carry the Bangladesh flag or wear the national jersey again. This is no longer just my personal view — I will give clear instructions to the BCB that Shakib Al Hasan must never return to the national team.”
The announcement comes amid an ongoing social media dispute between Shakib and Asif that began after the all-rounder posted a Facebook status wishing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a happy birthday, alongside an old photo with her. The post triggered a heated exchange and widespread debate online.
Explaining his decision, Asif accused Shakib of being deeply tied to Awami League politics despite previously denying involvement. He said Shakib’s social media activity was clear evidence of his political affiliations: “He claimed he was only forced into contesting the election and was not involved in party politics. But the truth is, he has long-standing political links, which we now have proof of.”
Shakib, who was elected as a lawmaker under the Awami League’s ‘Boat’ symbol in the last general election, has not returned to Bangladesh since the student-led uprising toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024. He faces multiple charges, including murder, financial fraud, share market scams, and cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Reacting on Facebook, Shakib wrote, “Finally someone admits that I was denied the chance to wear the Bangladesh jersey again. It wasn’t my choice.”
Asif later responded in another post, accusing Shakib of endorsing “killers, corruption, and financial fraud,” adding: “Law is equal for all. Why should someone be rehabilitated just because he is a good cricketer?”
Asked about his birthday wish to Sheikh Hasina, Shakib told Channel 24, “She has always followed cricket seriously, even before politics. That’s where the connection came from. I wished her out of personal respect, nothing more — no political signal or motive.”
The exchange has fueled massive controversy on social media, but Asif’s interview now makes it clear: Shakib Al Hasan’s international career with Bangladesh has officially reached its end.
