Finish my cricket career with a smile: Shakib

Former Bangladesh cricket captain and ex-lawmaker Shakib Al Hasan announced he is shifting his entire focus back to cricket, expressing a strong desire to conclude his international career representing the national team.

The veteran all-rounder, who has been excluded from the national squad since the Awami League government collapsed in August, 2024, clarified his position in a statement posted to his verified Facebook page on Monday.

He acknowledged that while politics remains a crucial vehicle for national development, his immediate priority is delivering peak performances on the pitch.

“At this late stage of my career, I want to give my absolute best for the Bangladesh national team,” Shakib wrote.

He added that while he intends to contribute to the country’s progress after retiring, his current hope is to “finish my cricket career with a smile, wearing the red and green jersey.”

Shakib served as a Member of Parliament under the ousted Awami League administration. Following the regime’s fall, he faced intense public backlash and navigating several legal challenges stemming from his political affiliation.

Although he previously scheduled a return to Bangladesh to participate in a home series under the interim government, mounting political pressure forced him to abruptly cancel those plans.

In a recent media interview, Shakib noted that his political party currently maintains no active operations, prompting his renewed commitment to the sport.

Behind the scenes, several directors within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have indicated they are exploring avenues to facilitate his return to the squad despite the lingering political sensitivities.

Widely regarded as one of the most successful all-rounders of the modern era, the 39-year-old has amassed more than 14,500 runs and claimed over 700 wickets across 447 international appearances for Bangladesh.