Bangladesh batting coach Mohammad Ashraful believes that if Shakib Al Hasan manages to return to international cricket, he should set his sights on representing the country at the 2027 ODI World Cup rather than rushing into retirement.
Shakib has been back in the spotlight after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) recently confirmed that it is exploring the possibility of bringing the veteran all-rounder back into the national setup. While the move initially appeared to be a reaction to Bangladesh’s recent World Cup disappointment, BCB director Asif Akbar clarified that the plan is neither symbolic nor short-term.
Also Read: Suresh Raina blames BCB for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup withdrawal
According to Asif, the board has been in regular communication with Shakib and is working on a structured roadmap for his comeback, with the aim of bringing him back ahead of the home ODI series against Pakistan in March. Bangladesh are scheduled to host Pakistan for three ODIs on March 12, 14 and 16, followed by Test matches in May. The Pakistan Cricket Board had earlier proposed splitting the tour into two phases due to the Pakistan Super League.
“We are communicating with Shakib on a regular basis and he is keen to play. If everything goes according to plan, we are hoping to bring him back before the home series against Pakistan,” Asif told Cricbuzz.
Asif added that Shakib’s primary concerns relate to his personal security and the legal cases filed against him, issues that fall outside the BCB’s jurisdiction. However, the board has thrown its weight behind the former captain.
“Out of 25 board members, around 23 were present at the meeting and almost all unanimously wanted Shakib in the team. Our president has been asked to discuss the matter with the government so that his legal issues are addressed,” he said.
If matters fall into place, Shakib could return to international cricket in March — a significant turnaround after a prolonged absence. The all-rounder had announced his immediate retirement from T20Is in September 2024 and had informed the BCB of his intention to retire from Test cricket following the home series against South Africa, subject to security clearance. That clearance never came, forcing Shakib into exile following the fall of the Awami League government. A Member of Parliament under the previous regime, he did not play international cricket for over a year.
Recently, Shakib reversed his stance, expressing a desire to play all three formats in front of his home crowd before calling time on his international career — a sentiment that appears to align with the BCB’s current approach.
Ashraful, however, feels Shakib should think beyond a farewell series and focus on extending his ODI career.
“I saw an interview where he said he wants to retire after playing all formats for Bangladesh. But in today’s cricket, players can focus on a single format and extend their careers,” Ashraful said.
“With the 2027 ODI World Cup coming up, Shakib will be around 37 or 38. With modern workload management, playing till 40 or even beyond is not an issue. He is fit and active in franchise leagues, so if he continues only in ODIs for Bangladesh with World Cup planning, it would benefit everyone.”
Shakib, who last played Test cricket against Pakistan and India in 2024, has remained cautious about publicly outlining his future plans, insisting that several factors remain beyond his control. In September last year, Bangladesh’s sports advisor Asif Mahmud had stated that Shakib would not be allowed to represent the country after he publicly wished former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her birthday, the first time a government official openly acknowledged such restrictions.
The veteran all-rounder was also reported for a suspect bowling action following his county stint with Surrey in 2024 and was temporarily suspended before eventually being cleared after reassessment.
Currently plying his trade in franchise leagues around the world, Shakib has reiterated that maintaining fitness and staying match-ready remain central to his hope of returning home and wearing Bangladesh colours once again.
