Bangladesh Sports Advisor Announces Shakib’s Final Exit from National Team

Asif Mahmud, the sports advisor of Bangladesh, stated that the renowned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will not be part of the national team in the future.

Shakib, who was a member of parliament for the Awami League from January to August last year before being ousted in a student-led revolution, has been absent from the national squad for the last year. Despite this, he has participated in franchise leagues internationally while residing in the USA.

The advisor’s announcement came after Shakib shared a birthday message on social media for Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister, on Sunday.

The conflict between the two dates back further. Asif posted on Facebook, without naming Shakib: “Many of you have criticized me for not rehabilitating one person. But my stance was correct. End of story.”

The post came shortly after Shakib’s birthday message to Hasina. The all-rounder responded quickly:

“So someone has finally admitted that because of him, I can no longer wear the Bangladesh jersey and play for Bangladesh. Maybe one day I will return to my motherland. Love you, Bangladesh,” Shakib wrote on Facebook.

Later, speaking to Dhaka-based Channel 24, Asif confirmed that he would instruct the BCB not to select Shakib, citing the player’s close involvement with Awami League’s politics.

“We cannot allow him to represent Bangladesh,” Asif said. “It won’t be possible for me to permit him to wear the Bangladesh jersey. Previously I might not have informed the BCB, but now my clear instruction to them is that Shakib Al Hasan should not play for Bangladesh ever again.”

“He has repeatedly sought entry to play for Bangladesh, claiming that his Awami League nomination for the 2024 general election was forced upon him. He stated he was not involved in politics and wanted to be an MP to serve people in his hometown, Magura. However, he is deeply entangled in Awami League’s politics,” Asif explained.

In response, Shakib clarified his birthday post for Hasina was personal and not political: “She [Hasina] has consistently followed cricket with interest—right? She was heavily involved with cricket. Our relationship was established through that, even before politics. My wish for her came from that perspective without any ulterior motive or provocation.”

Shakib last played Test matches against Pakistan and India in 2024. Although effectively banned from international matches during this time, this is the first instance a government official has publicly confirmed the ban.