Shakib Al Hasan’s farewell dream resurfaces as BCB opens door for return

Star Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is back in contention for national selection after being reinstated in the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) central contract list. The move comes at a turbulent time for Bangladesh cricket, with the country having been excluded from the T20 World Cup 2026 after refusing to travel to India for the tournament.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has weighed in on the possibility of Shakib’s return, cautioning the authorities against recalling the veteran all-rounder for the wrong reasons. Tamim stressed that Shakib should only be brought back if the decision is genuine and not an attempt to “hide something else”.

“Shakib is probably Bangladesh’s greatest sportsman. If you really want to bring him back after having an understanding with the government, then very well. But don’t do it and use his name to hide something else,” Tamim said on the OffScreen With Sayeed Zaman podcast.

“It’s difficult for me to comment because the BCB had a different stance earlier. But if the government has given the green signal and if you believe Shakib is still capable, then bring him back,” he added.

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Tamim, however, warned against what he termed a token gesture. “If this is just for eyewash, then don’t do it. He deserves respect as a cricketer, and his name should not be used for theatrics,” he said.

Shakib, a former Awami League Member of Parliament, was previously dropped from the central contract list following the ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. His reinstatement was announced on the same day Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the T20 World Cup 2026.

Earlier, the veteran all-rounder had expressed his desire to bid farewell to international cricket on home soil. “My plan is to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series of Tests, ODIs and T20Is, and then retire. It would be a nice way to say goodbye to the fans who have always supported me and to give something back,” Shakib had said.