Shakib Al Hasan`s political involvement and ICC bowling action ban have put his cricket career in question, and former Bangladesh captain Khaled Mahmud Sujon has voiced his concerns.
Sujon’s club Dhaka Capitals isn`t performing well in the current Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), but he believes that absence of Shakib, one of Bangladesh`s finest players, has gravely affected the whole tournament.
"He (Shakib) is the world`s number one all-rounder,"
Sujon said, reflecting on Shakib’s earlier achievements. Sujon also said,
"One day he will have to retire," Sujon continued.
"Chittagong (Kings) franchise incurred a loss as he couldn`t play, and they took him through direct signing. They could have taken someone else if they understood the situation. Having a player like him is a big thing. But time will heal everything."
Shakib’s last match for Bangladesh was in the 2023 World Cup, and he hasn`t played in the national team since a Test series against India in September 2024.
He also did not make it into the 15-man squad for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy, further diminishing his cricketing prospects.
On top of that, his bowling action ban has made it difficult for selectors to consider him for selection.
When asked if Shakib would return to play for Bangladesh, Sujon’s answer was clear.
"I don’t think he will be able to play, obviously, he will return someday as he is a citizen of the country, but I don’t think he will be playing."
Shakib used to represent Bangladesh cricket at the global level but his choice to become politically involved with the ruling Awami League—possibly for self-centered reasons—may have cost him his position in the sport he once ruled.
Shakib never had the same retirement or received a farewell like other legendary cricket players, largely because of his shift into politics.
Shakib`s political activities have overshadowed his cricketing legacy and deprived him of the respect and diminished his reputation which he had built over the years.
Despite the fact that he had earned the right to be recognized for his achievements in the game, he didn’t have a great farewell rather he lost the respect and love he had gained and faced insults and criticism by the same people who were once his biggest fans.
Shakib`s tale serves as an example of how a player`s career may be permanently damaged by mistakes; they make off the field.
Shakib`s remarkable cricket career could have been longer; we could have seen him play for Bangladesh at least until the end of 2025 Champions trophy and he might have received the heroes farewell but his career may have come to an early end as a result of his political involvement.