Door still open for Shakib’s return: Chief Selector

The door for Shakib Al Hasan to return to the national team remains open, but he will need to prove his readiness, Bangladesh chief selector Habibul Bashar has indicated.

Bashar emphasised that preparation and match fitness will be key factors for any potential comeback, particularly given the demands of international cricket.

“I spoke to him once and asked whether he is ready, as he is currently in an environment where regular cricket and training opportunities are limited,” Bashar said. “Fitness can be worked on, but regular competitive cricket is also important.”

He made it clear that returning to international cricket requires meeting high standards. “International cricket demands a lot from players. Preparation is crucial. If he is ready and willing to play for a longer period, we will definitely consider him,” he added.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is currently focused on building a stable squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with plans to finalise the core group within the next six to seven months.

“Our plans are centred around the World Cup,” Bashar said, indicating that any decision regarding Shakib’s return will align with the team’s long-term strategy.

Shakib, widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s greatest all-rounders, has been out of the national setup for an extended period, fuelling speculation over whether he will feature for the country again.