Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has expressed his willingness to return to the country and face the murder charges against him if the government can guarantee his safety. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, the veteran all-rounder insists he has not abandoned his ambition of representing Bangladesh at the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Shakib, who previously served as a lawmaker for Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, has been living overseas since Hasina’s government was overthrown in August 2024. Although he has not formally retired from international cricket, his return to the Bangladesh team remains uncertain amid an ongoing investigation linked to alleged deaths during the crackdown on student protests.
“If the government guarantees my security, I’m happy to go back, stand trial, do whatever I must,” Shakib Al Hasan told Reuters. The 39-year-old has also maintained that he has done nothing wrong. “I know I haven’t done anything,” he said, while reiterating his willingness to face the legal process if adequate security is provided.
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Hasina fled to India following the fall of her government and was subsequently sentenced to death in absentia by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal over the crackdown. Shakib, meanwhile, has previously attempted to return home but was forced to abandon the journey despite receiving assurances regarding his security.
Bangladesh’s Shakib Al-Hasan lands in further trouble as hopes to represent his national team hits a block after he made an appearance in press conference involving deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
While Al-Hasan is ready to return and face legal proceedings, which… pic.twitter.com/QEKBZlXbfY
— The CricHub (@thecrichub_live) August 8, 2026
Recalling the incident, Shakib said he had spent nearly two months preparing for the trip before being instructed to turn back midway through the journey. “I have no idea what changed in just 12 hours,” he said.
Despite pressure to distance himself from Hasina and the Awami League, Shakib remains unwilling to do so. “I won’t even consider it,” he said.
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The veteran cricketer continues to feature in franchise leagues around the world and believes he still has enough cricket left in him. However, he admitted that time is becoming a major factor in his bid to play in the 2027 World Cup. “I’m playing most of the franchise leagues. I feel great, still enjoy the game, and I’m playing well. But, honestly, I can’t wait too long,” Shakib said.
His comments come after Bangladesh Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque indicated that Shakib’s return to international cricket remains unlikely following his virtual appearance at an event in New Delhi where Hasina addressed the media.
