Bangladesh Sports Advisor Declares Shakib Al Hasan Will Never Play for National Team Again
Bangladesh cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan has effectively been barred from returning to international cricket by the country's sports advisor Asif Mahmud, following a political row sparked by Shakib’s birthday message for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Shakib, who has not played for Bangladesh since October 2024, took to social media on Sunday to wish Hasina — who was ousted from power earlier this year — a happy birthday. The message was seemingly innocent, but drew immediate political backlash.
A Political Fallout Over a Birthday Wish
Asif Mahmud, reacting to Shakib’s post, responded indirectly but sharply on social media, stating:
“All of you have abused me a lot for not rehabilitating one person. But I was right. End of the discussion.”
Shakib, in a counter-response, acknowledged that it was Asif who had blocked his return to the national side, saying:
“So someone has finally accepted that it's because of him that I can never put on the Bangladesh jersey again… Maybe I will return to my motherland one day. Love you, Bangladesh.”
The verbal exchange escalated when Asif appeared on Channel 24, a Dhaka-based TV station, to make his stance unequivocally clear.
"Shakib Can Never Play for Bangladesh Again" – Asif Mahmud
Speaking to the channel, Asif stated:
“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 [Bangladesh Cricket Board] before, but now my clear direction for the BCB would be that Shakib Al Hasan can never again play for Bangladesh.”
Asif accused Shakib of being “intricately involved in Awami League’s politics,” referencing his brief stint as a Member of Parliament for the Awami League from January to August 2024, before the party was ousted by a student-led revolution. Hasina fled to India on August 5, and Shakib — who was abroad at the time — has not returned since.
Shakib Denies Political Motives
Responding to the controversy, Shakib clarified that his birthday message to Hasina was not politically motivated, saying:
“She has always followed cricket seriously… She was deeply involved with cricket. We had a relationship through that, even before politics. I wished her from that point of view. There was no other motive, or trying to instigate anyone.”
Shakib also claimed that his political candidacy was not self-driven, stating he was “forcibly nominated” by the Awami League during the 2024 general election and entered politics to serve his constituency in Magura.
Cricket Career in Limbo
Shakib last represented Bangladesh in Tests against Pakistan and India in late 2024, but has not featured for the national side in the past 12 months, despite continuing to play in franchise leagues globally.
The public fallout now seemingly confirms what had been speculated for months: Shakib's international career with Bangladesh appears to be over, not due to form or fitness, but political tension.
If enforced, the ban would bring a controversial and abrupt end to the career of Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketer, who has been a fixture in the national team since his debut in 2006.
Background:
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Shakib Al Hasan: Bangladesh's most capped international cricketer, former captain, and leading all-rounder
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Political involvement: Briefly served as an MP for the Awami League, 2024
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Last international appearance: October 2024
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Current status: Playing franchise T20 leagues abroad; not selected for Bangladesh since last year
What’s next?
While there is no formal statement yet from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the sports advisor’s directive could pressure the board into making Shakib’s exclusion permanent — unless political conditions in the country shift again.