Bangladesh has clarified that it does not plan to let Shakib Al Hasan, the former star cricketer, play for the country again as he attended a media event with the ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Shakib took part in the event by telephone in New Delhi on Wednesday, where Hasina spoke to journalists two years after she was ousted from power, after the violent suppression of student-led protests.
Shakib was a lawmaker for former ruling Awami League Party under Hasina Wajid. According to Aminul Haque, the minister for Bangladesh Youth and Sports, the government used to have a more flexible approach towards Shakib.
But, Haque added, Shakib’s appearance with Hasina had altered the government’s stance.
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“Our approach to the issue had been flexible and tolerant.” “However after this, I don’t see how anyone can still keep thinking in that manner,” Haque said in a statement.
He further revealed that someone who has taken his place with Hasina Wajid does not have any opportunity to return to Bangladesh.
Shakib (39) is not only one of the Bangladesh’s best cricketers but also one of the country’s leading sporting personalities.
The all rounder has played over 400 international matches and also appeared for Bangladesh in five World Cups.
He is currently in Sri Lanka and he is among the people who are under murder investigation in Bangladesh linked to crackdown on protestors which ultimately toppled Hasina’s government.
Her previous government has been accused of various human rights violations, including killing political opponents, banning opposition parties and interference in the elections.
Hasina was convicted by a Dhaka court of crimes against humanity in November 2025, and sentenced to death in absentia. She still lives in India.
In September 2024, Shakib announced his retirement, but later he hinted that he wanted to play a complete series before hanging up his kit.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board had hinted that he could return but his recent appearance with Hasina has led to a lot of outrage among Bangladeshis and seems to have put to rest any dreams of his return to the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
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