Shakib Al Hasan gets nod for Bangladesh return after T20 World Cup 2026 row

It did not come as a major surprise when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) reverted to a familiar line, “we want Shakib in the national team”, at a time when it is facing mounting scrutiny for failing to persuade the government about the ramifications of missing the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

What followed, however, did little to strengthen the credibility of that position. The matter surfaced during a 40-minute press interaction that followed an almost eight-hour board meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Saturday; however, the discussion lacked clear direction or a concrete explanation.

“Why are we bringing Shakib's issue out of nowhere?” a journalist asked BCB media committee chairman Amzad Hossain, who then drew attention for an animated and somewhat disjointed handling of the question-and-answer session.

Since the International Cricket Council opted to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, focus had been firmly placed on the board meeting. It was against this backdrop that the idea of reintroducing Shakib’s name emerged, a move seemingly designed to shift headlines. .

Former BCB president Nazmul Hossain had often publicly singled out Shakib for criticism, ostensibly to assert control over one of the game’s most prominent all-rounders, though the practical impact of such remarks was often limited.

A cricketer, speaking earlier to Cricbuzz on condition of anonymity, said Nazmul would routinely follow up such comments by calling players and asking them not to take the remarks personally, explaining that they were intended to manage media pressure rather than reflect genuine views. According to the player, Shakib was well aware of this pattern and navigated it through much of his career, recognising the largely performative nature of such statements.

Nazmul’s successor, Faruque Ahmed, also repeatedly spoke of his wish to see Shakib return to the national side. However, he consistently maintained that the final decision rested with the government, which ultimately did not permit Shakib’s return due to his political identity and association with the ousted Awami League administration.

Despite that, such statements continued to serve their immediate purpose by generating public discussion.

Shakib himself remained unconvinced. Speaking earlier to Cricbuzz, he said he was uncertain whether the board’s renewed interest was genuine or driven by other considerations, suggesting that it may have been linked more to his profile than to a sincere reintegration plan.

“I cannot say whether they are really keen or not because I cannot read other people's minds,” he said during Faruque Ahmed’s tenure, when asked if the renewed attention felt more symbolic than substantive.

On Saturday (January 24), Amzad Hossain reiterated that the board was serious about bringing Shakib back, citing the player’s own desire to conclude his career in Bangladesh.

“We had an agenda item about the 27 contracted players. During that discussion, a director proposed Shakib's name. He said Shakib is interested and that he has spoken to him,” Amzad told reporters after the meeting.

“From our side, if Shakib plays, he must meet fitness and selection requirements. The legal issues are for the government. But from the board's side, we want Shakib. That is the main point. The board has unanimously decided that, based on Shakib Al Hasan's availability, fitness and accessibility, and whether he can be present at the venue, the board and the selection panel will consider him for future selection. If Shakib participates in other global tournaments, the board will provide NOCs as required," he added.

What remained unaddressed was whether the BCB had received, or even formally sought, government clearance before making its intentions public, a factor that had previously prevented Shakib’s return following the July movement that led to the removal of Awami League leaders from power.

“The president (Aminul Islam) will talk to the government about the legal matter,” said Asif Akbar, who was seated alongside the media committee chairman.

The announcement prompted questions, with many interpreting it as another speculative declaration by board officials at a time when criticism was intensifying after Bangladesh’s absence from the World Cup.

The political context surrounding Shakib’s situation has also drawn attention. With general elections scheduled for February 12 and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party positioned as the leading contender, there is increasing speculation that a change in government could facilitate Shakib’s return, given the party’s stated stance on keeping sports and politics separate.

Several observers believe that, should Shakib return under a new administration, the BCB may seek to assert that efforts to reintegrate him had been ongoing well before conditions aligned.

Whether invoking Shakib’s name will assist the board in restoring credibility after missing out on the World Cup remains uncertain. For now, the BCB has confirmed it will not pursue legal recourse against the ICC’s decision.

“We would not go for arbitration,” Amzad said when asked about the possibility of legal action.

For Bangladesh, the World Cup campaign has ended. For the BCB, the focus appears to remain on recalibrating its messaging as it navigates the aftermath of that setback.