The Bangladesh Cricket Board has discussed the future of Shakib Al Hasan, with the selectors set to consider him for the national team if he is fit and available.
The matter was confirmed on Saturday following a BCB board meeting by Amjad Hossain, media committee chairman. He said the discussion centred on Shakib’s availability and form, making it clear that no doors have been closed on a potential comeback.
Alongside a possible return to the national side, the board is also weighing up reinstating Shakib in the central contract. The BCB confirmed that 27 cricketers will be included in this year’s central contract list.
The selectors will be able to call up Shakib for the upcoming series at any venue, whether at home or abroad. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul will hold talks with the government regarding Shakib Al Hasan’s ongoing legal case and related matters.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, BCB media committee chairman Amjad Hossain said, “The board has unanimously decided that Shakib Al Hasan will be considered for selection, subject to his availability and fitness.”
The Bangladesh Cricket Board will provide Shakib Al Hasan with full support to play in franchise leagues. In this regard, he added, “Shakib will be able to take part in other global tournaments. The board will issue him a no-objection certificate whenever required.”
Despite missing out on the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh are set to resume international action in March, with Pakistan scheduled to tour for a three-match ODI series. That series could mark the return of Shakib Al Hasan to the national side, with selectors understood to be considering him for selection.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board also confirmed during its meeting that it will stand by Shakib in addressing the legal cases currently pending against him, offering institutional support as part of its decision-making.
Shakib last played for Bangladesh on 27 September 2024, featuring in the Test against India in Kanpur. In the aftermath of a shift in the country’s political climate, public anger was directed towards him, leading the BCB to express concerns over possible protests. As a result, Shakib did not feature in the planned farewell Test against South Africa and instead travelled from Dubai to the United States.
Speaking recently in a podcast from Dubai, Shakib said he wished to return home and take his leave from international cricket in front of familiar supporters.
