Tamim Iqbal has expressed support for Shakib Al Hasan returning to the Bangladesh national team, emphasising that the former captain should only be reinstated if the government and Bangladesh Cricket Board deem it appropriate. His comments come amid continuing fallout from Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India.
“If the government gives the green signal, then it’s fine. If they think he is still capable to play, then you let him play. But if you are telling this just for eye wash, then don’t do this. Because I believe he deserves respect,” Tamim said.
Shakib, who had not been in discussions for international selection for over a year and a half, suddenly re-emerged on Sunday evening, shortly after the ICC officially announced that Scotland would replace Bangladesh in Group C of the tournament, scheduled to begin on 7 February.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Media Committee Chairman Amzad Hossain confirmed after an eight-hour board meeting that the BCB wanted Shakib back in the national team. “The matter has been discussed by the board, which unanimously agreed that Shakib Al Hasan will be considered for future selection, subject to his availability, fitness and ability to be present at the match venue,” he said.
Shakib has been living in the UK since October 2024, following security concerns that prevented him from returning to Bangladesh after the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024. The all-rounder had planned to retire from international cricket after a home Test against South Africa in October 2024, but could not complete his final matches at home.
Questions have arisen over the timing of Shakib’s inclusion, with critics suggesting the move may be intended to deflect attention from the World Cup withdrawal. Former BCB director Sirajuddin Mohammad Alamgir told TIMES of Bangladesh, “This is clearly an eye-wash. The cases filed against Shakib still exist. If he returns, public backlash or even mob reactions are real possibilities.”
Amzad Hossain defended the board’s decision, stating that the discussion emerged during the review of the central contract list, where player performance and availability were assessed. He added that Shakib had repeatedly expressed a desire over the past 18 months to play in Bangladesh.
BCB director Asif Akbar emphasised that the board was prioritising Shakib as a cricketer rather than a politician. “We are not considering him as a former MP. We are giving the player an opportunity,” he said, noting that any government objection would be a separate legal matter.
Despite the support from Tamim and the board, many within the cricket community remain sceptical about Shakib’s sudden re-emergence. One former player, speaking anonymously, described it as “cheap eye-wash” and criticised the decision not to send the Bangladesh team to India as “reckless”.
Shakib last played international cricket in October 2024 against India in Kanpur and has since continued to feature in franchise leagues while based in the UK with his family.
