Shakib Al Hasan last played for Bangladesh in October last year and has since remained absent from the national team amid political changes in the country. With his omission from the Champions Trophy squad and an effective retirement from Test cricket, uncertainty surrounded his return.

However, BCB director Iftekhar Rahman Mithu offered hope, stating the board has not ruled Shakib out of the national setup. Recently returning to competitive cricket via the PSL, Shakib had earlier been sidelined due to a bowling action deemed illegal by the ECB, which was later cleared.

Despite strained ties with the BCB and missing his farewell Test, Shakib remains under team management’s observation. With other senior players retired, BCB eyes rebuilding while acknowledging Shakib’s enduring value.