Bangladesh’s sports advisor, Asif Mahmud, has issued a forceful statement on star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan’s future in international cricket for Bangladesh. Shakib last played for the national team in October 2024 and will never be able to put on the shirt for his own country again.
Mahmud has announced that Shakib will never play for Bangladesh again. The advisor’s statement came after Shakib sent a birthday message for deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on social media. Shakib served as an Awami League Member of Parliament from January to August of 2024 until being dismissed.
Mahmud had previously used his official Facebook page to keep people updated on Shakib Al Hasan situation.
The all-rounder answered almost immediately, stating his side of the tale while also expressing his respect and affection for the country and what it meant to him to play for the Bangla Tigers at the highest level of international cricket.
“All of you have abused me a lot for not rehabilitating one person. But I was right. End of the discussion,” the post read.
“So, someone has finally accepted that it’s because of him that I can never put on the Bangladesh jersey again, because of whom I can’t play for Bangladesh again. Maybe, I will return to my motherland one day. Love you, Bangladesh,” Shakib mentioned in his response.
Mahmud, while speaking to Dhaka-based Channel 24, reinforced his stance and confirmed that he will communicate the decision with the Bangladesh Cricket Board at the earliest.
“We cannot let him carry the Bangladesh flag. It won’t be possible for me to allow him to wear the Bangladesh jersey. Maybe, I haven’t told the BCB before, but now my clear direction for the BCB would be that Shakib Al Hasan can never again play for Bangladesh,” he declared.
Shakib has been active in the domestic franchise circuit ever since he last played for Bangladesh. He recently represented Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the Caribbean Premier League 2025. The Tigers’ premium all-rounder has played 71 Tests, 247 ODIs and 129 T20Is for the country. He had made his international debut in 2006.
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