Shakib Al Hasan set for Bangladesh return as BCB pushes legal clearance for homecoming

Dhaka, 25 February – Bangladesh cricket moved a decisive step closer to welcoming back its most decorated all-rounder on Monday after the Bangladesh Cricket Board formally submitted documents related to Shakib Al Hasan’s outstanding legal cases to the government, clearing the pathway for a potential farewell appearance on home soil.

The 38-year-old, who has not set foot in the country since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina administration in August 2024, signalled earlier this month that he wished to “play one last bilateral series” in familiar surroundings. His last outing in national colours came during the rain-affected Test against India in Kanpur late last year; since then he has confined himself to global franchise leagues while remaining absent from the Tigers’ set-up for roughly 18 months.

Shakib, a former Member of Parliament from the Awami League, faces multiple cases—including a murder charge—filed during the tenure of the interim Yunus-led government. Legal analysts and board insiders alike contend the charges are politically motivated, stemming from his association with the ousted regime. A similar predicament has befallen ex-captain Mashrafe Mortaza, likewise an ex-MP, who has kept a low profile since the change of government.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque told local reporters over the weekend that the government “will work to resolve the legal hurdles” surrounding both former skippers, describing their cases as “requiring state-level intervention” before any sporting return can be rubber-stamped. The assurance triggered a flurry of activity from Shakib’s legal team, which compiled the requisite paperwork and forwarded it to the BCB on Sunday night.

Board officials wasted little time, dispatching the dossier to relevant ministries on Monday morning. “We have sent the papers of his cases to the government,” a senior BCB official confirmed to Cricbuzz, adding that the board is “optimistic of a positive outcome” ahead of next month’s three-match ODI series against Pakistan.

Bangladesh batting coach Mohammad Ashraful fuelled further anticipation by suggesting Shakib’s experience could yet be harnessed through to the 2027 World Cup, while current ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz welcomed the prospect of reuniting with the veteran. “Of course I would feel happy to play with him again,” Miraz told journalists after training. “We have played together for many years… if Shakib bhai plays [against Pakistan] obviously I would feel elated.”

With government ministries now in possession of the legal brief, the BCB will await formal clearance before pencilling Shakib into the squad for what could be an emotional homecoming—and, if the all-rounder has his way, a final flourish on Bangladeshi soil.