Shakib Al Hasan can never again play for Bangladesh

Bangladesh's sports advisor Asif Mahmud has come out with a strong statement in relation to star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan and his cricketing future as far as playing internationals for Bangladesh is concerned. Shakib last featured for the national team in October 2024, and won't be able to don the jersey for his home country ever again.

Mahmud has declared that Shakib will never play for Bangladesh again. The advisor's statement came after Shakib posted a birthday message for deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina on social media. For the unversed, Shakib served as an Awami League Member of Parliament from January to August in 2024 before being ousted.

Mahmud had previously taken to his official Facebook handle to inform the development surrounding Shakib. The all-rounder responded to the comment almost immediately, citing his side of the story, while also conveying his love and affection towards the country and what it meant for him to play for the Bangla Tigers at the highest level in international cricket.

"All of you have abused me a lot for not rehabilitating one person. But I was right. End of the discussion," the post read.

"So, someone has finally accepted that it's because of him that I can never put on the Bangladesh jersey again, because of whom I can't play for Bangladesh again. Maybe, I will return to my motherland one day. Love you, Bangladesh," Shakib mentioned in his response.

Mahmud, while speaking to Dhaka-based Channel 24, reinforced his stance and confirmed that he will communicate the decision with the Bangladesh Cricket Board at the earliest. 

"We cannot let him carry the Bangladesh flag. It won't be possible for me to allow him to wear the Bangladesh jersey. Maybe, I haven't told the BCB before, but now my clear direction for the BCB would be that Shakib Al Hasan can never again play for Bangladesh," he declared.

Shakib has been active in the domestic franchise circuit ever since he last played for Bangladesh. He recently represented Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the Caribbean Premier League 2025. The Tigers' premium all-rounder has played 71 Tests, 247 ODIs and 129 T20Is for the country. He had made his international debut in 2006.