Shakib Al Hasan's international career ends

Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Mahmud has announced that Shakib Al Hasan will no longer represent the national cricket team, following the star’s social media post wishing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on her birthday. This statement casts serious doubt over Shakib’s future with Bangladesh cricket.

Shakib hasn’t represented Bangladesh since October 2024 and has been excluded from all formats amid political unrest in the country. The veteran all-rounder is facing serious charges, including corruption and murder, connected to his tenure as an Awami League MP under the former Sheikh Hasina government.

Maybe I Will Return to My Motherland - Shakib Al Hasan

The controversy began when Shakib Al Hasan shared a social media message, prompting a cryptic response from Asif Mahmud. Shakib replied that Asif’s actions were the reason he could no longer represent Bangladesh, while expressing hope to return to his homeland someday.

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

Shakib went next, posting, "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."

We Cannot Let Him Carry the Bangladesh Flag - Asif Mahmud

Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Mahmud has stated that Shakib Al Hasan will never be allowed to represent the national team again, citing the cricketer’s deep involvement in Awami League politics.

Speaking to the Dhaka-based Channel 24, he said Shakib is closely linked to the party, making it impossible for him to carry the Bangladesh flag. He confirmed that he would instruct the BCB to bar Shakib from future selection.

"We cannot let him carry the Bangladesh flag," Asif said. "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.

"The number of times he has asked to enter the country, to play for Bangladesh, he had said that the Awami League had given him the [2024 general election] nomination forcibly. He claimed that he was not involved in politics. He wanted to become an MP to work for the people of his area [Magura]. The truth, however, is that he is intricately involved in Awami League's politics."

Sheikh Hasina Has Always Followed Cricket Seriously - Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan defended his social media post, saying he wished Sheikh Hasina based on their long-standing connection through cricket. He added that the message had no motive and was not intended to provoke anyone.

"She [Hasina] has always followed cricket seriously - isn't that right," he said. "She was deeply involved with cricket. We had a relationship through that, even before politics. I wished her from that point of view. There was no other motive, or trying to instigate anyone."

Shakib Al Hasan has not returned to Bangladesh since the government’s ouster during a student-led revolution. However, he continued playing Tests against Pakistan and India last year and has remained active in franchise leagues.

Over the past 12 months, Shakib has not been selected for the national team. He missed the Champions Trophy after failing the reassessment test for his bowling action. Bangladesh appointed Litton Das as T20I captain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz to lead the ODI and Test sides.

Shakib has taken 246 wickets in 71 Tests at an average of 31.72, including 19 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket matches. He has 317 wickets in 247 ODIs at an average of 29.52, while he has secured 149 wickets in 126 T20Is at an average of 20.91 with an economy of 6.81.

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