Shakib Al Hasan's cricket return has come into focus after the former Bangladesh captain said he is prioritising his sporting career over politics, expressing a clear intention to finish his international journey with the national team.
In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, Shakib Al Hasan said he is shifting his full attention back to cricket after a period marked by political involvement and controversy.
“At this late stage of my career, I want to give my absolute best for the Bangladesh national team,” he wrote.
He added that while politics remains important for national development, his current priority is performance on the field. “I hope to finish my cricket career with a smile, wearing the red and green jersey,” he said.
Shakib Al Hasan, who previously served as a Member of Parliament under the Awami League government, has not featured in the national squad since the administration collapsed in August 2024. His political affiliation led to public criticism and legal challenges, which disrupted his cricketing commitments.
He had earlier planned to return to Bangladesh to take part in a home series under the interim government but cancelled the trip amid mounting political pressure.
In a recent media interview, he said his political party currently has no active operations, reinforcing his decision to focus on cricket.
Officials within the Bangladesh Cricket Board are understood to be considering pathways for his return to the national team, although sensitivities around his political background remain.
Shakib Al Hasan is widely regarded as one of the leading all-rounders in modern cricket. The 39-year-old has scored more than 14,500 runs and taken over 700 wickets in 447 international matches for Bangladesh.
His statement signals a potential final chapter in his international career, as he aims to return to the national side and conclude his career on the field.
