Shakib to be considered for selection from next series: BCB

Shakib Al Hasan will be considered for selection to the national team from the next series, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Media Committee Chairman Amzad Hussain said.

He disclosed the information at a press conference on Saturday night (January 24) following an emergency meeting.

Amzad Hussain said, “The board has discussed the matter and unanimously decided that Shakib Al Hasan will be considered for future selection, provided his availability, fitness and accessibility are satisfactory, and he has the capacity to be physically present at the venue where the matches will be held. If Shakib Al Hasan is able to participate in other global tournaments, the board will issue NOCs as required.”

At the same time, the BCB has once again offered Shakib Al Hasan a central contract. BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul will hold discussions with the government regarding the cases and legal matters involving the cricketer.

Explaining how Shakib’s issue arose amid World Cup-related discussions, BCB director Asif said, “We had an agenda in cricket operations concerning the list of 27 contracted players under Grades A, B, and C. During the discussion, one of our directors proposed that Shakib Al Hasan is interested, and we have spoken with him—he wants to play. The BCB president has been asked to communicate with the government on this matter. His personal issues are his own; whether the government allows him to return or how it handles the matter is up to them. From the board’s side, however, we want Shakib.”

Shakib Al Hasan last represented Bangladesh on October 1, 2024, and has since been unable to return to the country due to various reasons.