New Delhi. Bangladesh’s legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has made a significant statement regarding his return and cricketing future after nearly two years of absence. Shakib stated that if the Bangladesh government guarantees his safety, he is ready to return to his country, face his ongoing court cases, and cooperate with all legal procedures. The 39-year-old cricketer also clarified that his goal is not to retire immediately. He wants to end his international career with a farewell series on Bangladeshi soil and, if the opportunity arises, wishes to represent the country in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Shakib left Bangladesh after the Sheikh Hasina government was ousted from power in August 2024 following the student protests. He subsequently lived in the United States and is currently playing franchise cricket in Sri Lanka. Shakib also served as a Member of Parliament for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League. His cricketing career has also been controversial due to his political involvement. He has now stated that if the government provides him with clear security assurances, he will return to Bangladesh without hesitation and face the cases pending against him in court.
Shakib stated that he is confident that he has done nothing wrong. He stated that he is ready to comply with all legal procedures. He stated that two cases are currently active against him: one related to the alleged murder of a protester during a student protest, while the other is a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Agency. Shakib dismissed the murder case as ridiculous and stated that he was playing cricket in Toronto, Canada, on the day the case was filed.
Shakib also took a clear stance regarding his relationship with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. When asked if he could return to Bangladesh with Hasina, he stated that he would do whatever the captain says and follow her instructions. Shakib also hinted that if an immediate return is not possible, he may try to return with Sheikh Hasina in December. He also rejected suggestions that he should distance himself from the Awami League and Hasina, saying he had never considered doing so.
Shakib also shared several experiences related to his return attempts. He explained that he had boarded a plane to return to Bangladesh at the end of 2024 after being assured of his safety, but was asked to return during the trip. He arrived in Dubai and from there returned to New York. Later, another return plan was thwarted after he wished Sheikh Hasina a happy birthday on social media. Shakib questioned how wishing someone a happy birthday could be grounds for preventing them from returning to the country.
Shakib also revealed that his bank accounts have been frozen for the past one and a half years and that he has not been able to meet his parents for almost two years. He stated that he is willing to cooperate with the investigation and that if no irregularities are found, his accounts should be released. Despite this, his enthusiasm for cricket remains intact. He says he is currently playing franchise cricket, feels fit, and is enjoying the game. Despite considering his age a challenge, he hopes to fulfill his dream of playing in a farewell series in Bangladesh and the 2027 ODI World Cup.