Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan remains a potential candidate for national selection, according to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Iftekhar Rahman.
Despite not playing for Bangladesh since October 2024, Shakib’s name is still part of the selectors' conversations, revealed Rahman.
Notably, Shakib Al Hasan's bowling action was declared illegal by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) while he was playing for Surrey last year. In March 2025, he was cleared of the suspect bowling action and made his return to competitive cricket after nearly six months in the Pakistan Super League 2025 (PSL 2025).
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Shakib Al Hasan Still in the Mix for Bangladesh Comeback
Dismissing speculation about Shakib’s international future, Rahman made it clear that the 38-year-old still has a role to play and is in the radar of the selectors.
"Shakib will always be in the consideration of the selectors and the team management. He is an asset for any team. He is a world-class cricketer. He has just returned after correcting his bowling action so our team management will keep track of him. It is definitely not [the end of our association with Shakib]," Rahman said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Following his bowling suspension, Shakib recently returned to action after clearing his action. The BCB director emphasised on this, stating that the veteran will be observed closely before the BCB makes a call on his selection.
"He has only played a few matches after his suspension. Let him play a few more matches, I think then we can answer the question [of his return]," he added.
Shakib has retired from T20Is and Tests. He was expected to play the Champions Trophy 2025 but since he was not allowed to bowl because of his action, the BCB decided to not pick him in their squad as a pure batter.
Bangladesh’s Recent Performances
Bangladesh’s series-defeat to the UAE, ranked far below them in the T20 rankings, has raised questions on their performance. Though Shakib has retired from T20Is, the team is not doing well in ODIs either.
In the Champions Trophy 2025, Bangladesh ended their campaign winless, losing to India and New Zealand.
Bangladesh will next face Pakistan in a three-match T20I series, starting May 28 in Lahore.
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