Shakib’s chapter with BCB ‘definitely not over'

Shakib Al Hasan's future in Bangladesh cricket has remained doubtful ever since he could not return to the country to play the South Africa series in what would have been his farewell Test. He was left out of the series against Afghanistan in UAE and then the series in West Indies before he was dropped from the Champions Trophy side too.

Amidst the Champions Trophy squad selection process, Shakib had also been slapped with a bowling suspension by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in December last year. By the time the team was announced in January, Shakib was yet to get clearance, having failed a second bowling test in Chennai.

The all-rounder was finally cleared to bowl in international cricket and other franchise cricket outside of Bangladesh in March this year. Yesterday, Shakib won yet another franchise tournament -- his eighth overall -- as Lahore Qalandars won the PSL even as Shakib was not in the playing eleven.

While talking after BIHA Champions League final today, BCB director and media committee chairman Iftekhar Rahman Mithu was asked whether Shakib's chapter as cricketer for the national team was over.

Mithu said that Shakib had continued to be in selectors and team management's consideration even though he has not been picked since Bangladesh tour of India in 2024.

"Definitely not [over] but this was the first tournament Shakib has played since rectifying his action. So it's something we have to see in the future for the cricket board. He is world class and an asset for any team so definitely from that point of view he always remains in team management and selectors' consideration. But let Shakib play a few more matches before we can answer these questions," the BCB director told reporters today.

Shakib has also wanted to see how he progresses after returning to cricket following the bowling suspension. The all-rounder was unable to score any runs this PSL, falling to two ducks in two innings where he had an opportunity to bat. He fared better with the ball, picking up a wicket and remaining pretty economical in the three PSL matches he played this season.

"When you return to cricket after a long time, you are very excited. Along with being excited, you also have to see how your body is responding. Playing after a long time is a little different, but it has been good for me. The upcoming matches of Lahore Qalandars will definitely be good for me," Shakib had said in an interview with GEO news recently ahead of the PSL final.

The all-rounder had also said that he was interested in appearing in franchise leagues from now.

"I would like to play in other leagues including the Pakistan Super League right now. I do not know what will happen in the next four to five months. I have contracts now. I will definitely play leagues," he had affirmed.

During the last series he played for the Tigers in India in 2024, Shakib had said he already considered his T20I career to be over but also mentioned that if the BCB feels that he is needed in the side, he will consider if he is still capable of playing in the format.