BCB to consider Shakib for home and away series

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to consider Shakib Al Hasan for selection in both home and away series, subject to his availability, fitness and ability to be present at match venues.

BCB media committee chairman Amzad Hossain announced the decision after a board meeting tonight, and it came as a surprise to reporters, as the country’s main focus had been on Bangladesh’s exclusion from the upcoming T20 World Cup after the International Cricket Council (ICC) named Scotland as Bangladesh’s replacement.

During the Aminul Islam Bulbul-led board of directors’ third meeting at the BCB headquarters in Mirpur, the board also agreed to provide Shakib with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in global franchise leagues if required.

“The Board has unanimously decided that the selection panel will consider Shakib Al Hasan for selection, provided there is availability, fitness and his accessibility. Additionally, the Board will issue him an NOC as required to play in global tournaments,” Amzad said.

During the press conference, journalists questioned whether the issue was being highlighted to divert attention from Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the upcoming T20 World Cup. The board rejected the claim, saying the matter arose solely from central contract discussions.

The board clarified that Shakib’s name came up during discussions on central contracts, where the performance and availability of all players are routinely reviewed. Officials stressed that the decision was not linked to any other issue and was made to give Shakib due respect as one of Bangladesh cricket’s biggest brands.

Amzad added that the board has been in contact with Shakib recently, during which the all-rounder expressed his wish to retire on home soil. Shakib has informed the board that he is available for both home and away series, and the BCB has decided to keep him under consideration.

Addressing concerns regarding Shakib’s legal and personal matters, the board said these issues fall under the jurisdiction of the government and the courts. A BCB official stated that the board wants Shakib in the team purely as a player, and BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul will discuss administrative and security matters with senior government officials.

Shakib has not returned to Bangladesh since July 2024 following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5. A former MP of the party, he was later named in an FIR in an alleged murder case. He subsequently played Test matches in Pakistan and India, with the second Test against India in Kanpur in October 2024 marking his last international appearance.

Ahead of that series, Shakib announced his retirement from T20 internationals and expressed his desire to play his final Test at home during the South Africa series scheduled for October. However, protests and clashes near the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium and the interim government’s inability to guarantee his safe exit led to his omission from the squad.

In a recent interview, Shakib confirmed that he has not yet retired from any format of international cricket for Bangladesh.