Shakib's homecoming gathers pace as BCB submits legal papers to government

Shakib Al Hasan's homecoming gathered momentum as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) submitted documents relating to the all-rounder's legal cases to the government on Tuesday.

Shakib, a former Awami League Member of Parliament, has not returned to the country since the Sheikh Hasina government was ousted in August 2024. He last played for Bangladesh in a Test against India in Kanpur in late 2024.

During the subsequent Yunus-led regime, Shakib was implicated in several cases, including a murder case, with many believing they were lodged due to his political affiliation. The Yunus government imposed an unwritten ban on him from representing the national team.

Recently, the newly appointed State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, said the new government would move to resolve legal cases against Shakib and ex-skipper Mashrafe Mortaza to open the door for their return to cricket. Following this, Shakib's legal team prepared the relevant papers, prompting the BCB to act.

"We have sent the papers of his (Shakib's) cases to the government," a top BCB official confirmed on Tuesday.

The development came hours after Bangladesh ODI skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz told reporters he was looking forward to teaming up with Shakib again. "Of course I would feel happy to play with him again… if Shakib bhai plays [in the upcoming series against Pakistan] obviously I would feel elated," Miraz said.

Bangladesh's team management is keen to have the all-rounder back, considering their recent ODI form. Since Shakib left the country, Bangladesh have played 25 ODIs, winning only seven and losing 17.

The urgency is also tied to 2027 ODI World Cup qualification. Bangladesh are currently 10th in the ICC ODI rankings and must climb to ninth or higher by March 31, 2027, to claim a direct berth. They have 20 to 23 ODIs lined up before the deadline, starting with a home series against Pakistan in March.