Former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful has suggested that if Shakib Al Hasan returns to international cricket, he should consider extending his ODI career through to the 2027 World Cup. His comments come as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed it is actively exploring a pathway for the veteran all-rounder’s return.
Shakib’s name resurfaced prominently after the BCB indicated that discussions were underway to bring him back into the national setup. While some viewed the move as symbolic in the aftermath of Bangladesh’s recent World Cup disappointment, board director Asif Akbar dismissed that notion, insisting the plan was practical and serious.
Speaking to Cricbuzz on Friday, Asif said the BCB has remained in consistent contact with Shakib and is hopeful of finalising his return ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming home ODI series against Pakistan.
Bangladesh are set to host Pakistan for three ODIs on March 12, 14 and 16, with the Test matches scheduled later in May. The tour was previously proposed to be split due to the Pakistan Super League.
“We are in regular communication with Shakib. He is keen to play, and if everything progresses as planned, we are optimistic about bringing him back before the Pakistan series,” Asif said.
However, Shakib’s potential return hinges on unresolved concerns surrounding his personal security and multiple harassment cases filed against him. Asif clarified that while these matters fall outside the BCB’s jurisdiction, the board has raised the issue with the government.
“Almost all board members supported the idea of Shakib returning. Our president has been tasked with discussing the legal and security aspects with the government,” he added.
While BCB officials believe March could mark Shakib’s comeback, Ashraful feels the conversation should go beyond a short-term return. He believes Shakib, if fit and focused, could still play a significant role in Bangladesh’s ODI plans leading into the 2027 World Cup.
“I heard Shakib say he wants to retire after playing all formats again, but I feel that in modern cricket, even playing a single format is enough if the player is performing,” Ashraful said.
“With workload management improving, age is no longer a major barrier. If Shakib focuses only on ODIs, playing until the 2027 World Cup is realistic and beneficial,” he added.
Shakib had earlier announced his retirement from T20Is in September 2024 and expressed a desire to step away from Test cricket after a home series against South Africa, subject to security clearance. That clearance never came, forcing him to remain away from Bangladesh for an extended period following political changes in the country.
Recently, Shakib indicated his willingness to play all three formats once more in front of home fans before formally retiring — a stance that appears to align with the BCB’s current approach.
Despite the renewed discussions, Shakib has remained cautious in public statements. When contacted after the BCB’s announcement last week, he declined to outline his plans, saying the situation was complicated and largely beyond his control.
Shakib last represented Bangladesh in Tests during the 2024 series against Pakistan and India. That period also saw him reported for a suspect bowling action during a county stint in England, though he was later cleared to bowl after corrective work.
Now active across global franchise leagues, Shakib has maintained that staying fit and competitive remains his priority, keeping alive the possibility of returning to Bangladesh colours sooner rather than later.
