Tamim Iqbal has spoken out on the possibility of Shakib Al Hasan returning to the Bangladesh national team, saying the all-rounder must first return to the country and resolve his legal issues before any comeback can be considered.
Shakib, who was active in Awami League politics, has been living abroad since the July uprising and has not featured in the national side for over a year. Several cases have been filed against him in Bangladesh, including a murder charge, making his future uncertain.
Tamim, who is preparing to contest in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections and is reportedly backed by a major political party, discussed the matter during a podcast with Daily Cricket.
“He is an active cricketer. He is a Bangladeshi cricketer. Now, if he is fit, can practise, and the selectors consider him worthy of the team, then of course he is eligible. Then he will be selected again for the national team. Bringing him back to the country is not in my hands. There are legal matters involved here,” Tamim said.
The former captain made it clear that any potential return depends on Shakib’s willingness to face his legal battles.
“I cannot control the country’s circumstances. He has cases against him, if he can face those and take part in national team practice, undoubtedly the doors will be open for him. He is not an American cricketer, not a Portuguese cricketer, he is Bangladeshi,” he added.
Tamim stressed that the responsibility ultimately lies with Shakib:
“Running cases in court, withdrawing cases – that is not BCB’s matter. For Shakib to play for the country, he must first return, must practise. That is the truth. I am not hiding anything. This is also his country, the career is also his, so whether he will do these things is his decision. I cannot say that for him.”
