Excitement is once again brewing in Bangladeshi cricket circles over the potential return of former national captain and world-renowned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reignited discussions regarding his reintegration into the national squad following a board meeting held on Saturday, 24 January 2026. The board has resolved to reconsider Shakib for future squad selection, pending fitness and availability assessments.
Following the meeting, the BCB issued a statement confirming that plans are underway to evaluate his inclusion in the national team based on both his physical readiness and capacity to participate in upcoming fixtures.
Board director Amjad Hossain elaborated on the decision, stating, “This matter was thoroughly discussed during the board meeting. Should Shakib be available in due course, selectors will assess his fitness levels and ability to attend venues before making any decisions on his selection. If required, the board will issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participation in international tournaments.”
In addition to squad reconsideration, the board has proposed reinstating Shakib under the central contract framework. Legal and administrative concerns surrounding ongoing cases against him are set to be addressed in consultation with the government, ensuring that his cricketing career remains unimpeded by any legal complications.
Shakib himself has adopted a measured stance on the matter. In a brief conversation with a private television channel, he remarked, “I will respond to this matter slowly and deliberately.” The player has been absent from Bangladesh since July 2023, following political unrest in the country.
Board director Asif Akbar highlighted that the discussion initially focused on the list and grading of contracted players. During the deliberation, a director suggested that Shakib was keen to return and that contact had been established with him. The matter was communicated to the board president to facilitate any necessary governmental coordination. Akbar emphasised, “Shakib Al Hasan is not merely a cricketer; he is a brand. A player of his calibre may not be available for many years to come. From our perspective, we very much want him back in the team.”
The table below summarises the key outcomes of the board meeting:
| Matter | Details |
|---|---|
| Board Meeting Date | 24 January 2026 |
| Decision | Reconsider Shakib for future squad selection |
| Central Contract | Proposal to reinstate him under the central contract |
| International Tournaments | NOC to be issued if required |
| Legal Considerations | Coordination with the government to resolve outstanding issues |
| Shakib’s Response | Cautious; intends to respond deliberately |
| Political Context | Absent from Bangladesh since July 2023 following political unrest |
With this move, the Bangladesh national cricket team stands to benefit from Shakib’s extensive experience and exceptional skill set. The BCB aims to swiftly reintegrate the all-rounder into the squad once both fitness and legal aspects are satisfactorily addressed. His return could prove pivotal in shaping the team’s performance in upcoming international competitions.