Bangladesh cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan has offered an unapologetic defence of his political choices, confronting the consequences of his decisions off the pitch.

Once the face of Bangladesh cricket, Shakib now finds himself distanced from the game he helped elevate -- not due to injury or form, but political fallout. His affiliation with the ousted Awami League regime and tenure as an MP from Magura has cast a long shadow over his playing career.

"I don't see anything wrong in what I did… If it was a mistake for me to join politics, then anyone who joins politics in the future would also be making a mistake," Shakib told Daily Sun's Zaigum Azam in a candid interview -- titled 'My greatest wish is to play for my country and retire from home' -- published on Wednesday.

"Joining politics is a right for any citizen… I think I was right when I joined, and I still believe I was right because my intention was to work for the people of Magura," said the former Bangladesh captain.

He had missed what could've been his farewell Test in Mirpur against South Africa last October due to security concerns. Now, despite having been cleared to bowl again after successfully rectifying his bowling action, whether he can return to competitive cricket in Bangladesh remains unclear. Yet his words carried no self-pity -- only the forceful clarity that has long defined him.

"From my perspective, as far as entering politics is concerned, I always felt that if I wanted to make significant changes, I needed to be inside the system… how can you change the system unless you're part of it?"

Offered deeper insight into his political motivations, Shakib continued, "My plan was to play in the Champions Trophy, and after that, I would gradually transition into politics once I understood it better and could work for the people. It wasn't about jumping into politics headfirst -- it was about getting started within the system.

"If I made a mistake, then the people coming into power now will not be there forever. That's just the law of nature -- whether it's 10 years or 20 years, they will also not be in the same place forever. If another party comes to power, they too will not be there forever, and so on. The cycle continues, and you can't predict when it will end."

Critics have questioned the wisdom of his political detour, but Shakib remains unfazed. "Most of the people saying that are not voters from my area," he reasoned. "The voters from Magura, however, think differently, and that's what matters."

Over nearly two decades, the 38-year-old amassed over 14,000 international runs and claimed more than 650 wickets, becoming the first cricketer in history to achieve the double of 6,000 runs and 300 wickets in ODIs. His 2019 World Cup campaign -- 606 runs and 11 wickets -- remains one of the finest all-round performances in the tournament's history.

What unfolds in his voice is not regret, but resolve. "My intentions were honest, and I don't see why there should be any tension when the intentions are pure." That sincerity, Shakib argued, was never in question -- neither in cricket nor in politics.

Still, the consequences have been stark. Shakib has found himself at odds with a system that once celebrated him. His efforts to communicate with the board (BCB) and government officials about a potential return have met with little clarity.

"If something I did for 18 to 20 years is now being stopped, doesn't that seem outrageous?" he asked, almost rhetorically.

Despite the roadblocks, Shakib holds no bitterness. "I don't have any complaints against anyone, and I don't hold grudges," he said, choosing grace over grievance. "Whether you judge me based on my last 18 years or the last six months is up to you."

Now, as the country he once captained moves into a new political chapter, Shakib watches from the sidelines -- neither fully inside the system nor truly outside it.

"I'm seeing new faces of people now. Perhaps I was living in an illusion before," he admitted when asked about the lessons learned.

Whether he gets a chance to script a final chapter in Bangladesh colours remains to be seen. But it's clear that Shakib still believes in his decisions, still hopes for a return, and still dreams -- not just of wickets and centuries -- but of service, of impact, and of redemption.

"If there's an opportunity, I would love to plan whether I'll play one series, two series, or even for another year. My greatest wish is to play for my country and I am ready to give my all for that purpose," he said.