Shakib awaits return, trying to resolve issues on his own

Despite a prolonged stay abroad, political changes, and ongoing legal complications, Bangladesh’s most successful cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has not given up hope of returning home. The star all-rounder, who has been outside the country for nearly two years, told a national daily that he wants to resolve the issues as quickly as possible and return to Bangladesh.

A former Member of Parliament from the Awami League government, Shakib has been unable to return to the country since the fall of his party in 2024. However, after the new government assumed office, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque stated that Shakib would be welcomed back if he could overcome the legal barriers.

Explaining his position when asked about the possibility of returning home, Shakib said, “I am optimistic; I have always been an optimistic person. The legal processes have started. Now, if I can resolve them as quickly as possible… otherwise it may take time. But I am trying to solve the problems as quickly as I can. The sooner these issues are resolved, the sooner I will be able to return.”

Sharing his experience regarding communication with the government or the cricket board, he said, “As far as I know, communication is happening with the Ministry of Sports through the BCB. There has been no direct communication with me. And with the BCB, sometimes there is contact, sometimes there isn’t. So I am trying to handle everything on my own. Let’s see what happens.”

When asked about returning to international cricket or playing a farewell match, Shakib described it as secondary for now. Emphasizing that returning home is his top priority, he said, “That is actually a later matter (continuing international cricket) or a secondary issue; my first priority is to return home. From interviews and comments of the BCB and others, I have seen that they want me to come and play. But since there is an ongoing legal process, it is not enough to just say these things; the issues need to be resolved before I can return. Since I am away, it would have been easier for me if the BCB had handled these matters on my behalf. I am not saying they haven’t done anything at all, but if it had been done a bit better, the chances of a quicker resolution would have been higher. Since that hasn’t happened, it is taking longer, so I am trying my best in my own way to resolve it.”

Overall, Shakib is now focused on overcoming the legal hurdles and returning home as soon as possible. A comeback to the or the final chapter of his career remains on hold until he can return to his country.