Bangladeshi cricket legend Shakib Al Hasan, a former politician aligned with ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, has announced his readiness to return from a two-year exile in the United States. He is prepared to face trial on charges including murder and to participate in a farewell cricket series if the Bangladeshi government guarantees his safety.

Shakib, 39, has not retired from international cricket and hopes to represent Bangladesh at the 2027 Cricket World Cup, a one-day international tournament. His return poses a test for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government on whether it will accommodate figures from the former ruling party. This is particularly significant as Hasina herself has announced plans to return to Bangladesh in December despite having been sentenced to death.

Since the government was toppled in a deadly student-led uprising in August 2024, Shakib has been living in the United States. In 2024, the then-interim government’s sports adviser, Asif Mahmud, stated that Shakib would receive security like any other cricketer but urged him to clarify his political stance to ease public anger over his Awami League ties.

Shakib also highlighted that despite being the highest-taxed player for the last decade and having paid all taxes, his account has been frozen for a year and a half during investigations. He expressed willingness to provide all necessary information and requested release if no wrongdoing is found.

His potential return and trial will be closely watched as a measure of political reconciliation in Bangladesh.

Sources