The future of Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan with the national team has come under serious doubt after Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud declared that he will not allow him to play for the country again.
Controversy erupted on Sunday when Shakib, currently in self-imposed exile, shared an old photo with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on social media and wished her a happy birthday.
Shortly after, Bangladesh’s young sports advisor Asif Mahmud posted a message on social media without naming Shakib. He wrote that people had criticized him for not reinstating a certain individual, but he was right in his decision.
Responding to the post, Shakib wrote, “Finally someone admitted that I cannot wear the Bangladesh jersey again because of him. Maybe one day I will return to my homeland. I love Bangladesh.”
Speaking to a private TV channel, Mahmud made his stance clear. “We cannot allow him to hold the Bangladesh flag. It is impossible for me to let him wear the Bangladesh jersey. My directive to the Bangladesh Cricket Board is clear. Shakib Al Hasan will never play for Bangladesh again,” he said.
Mahmud added that Shakib had strong ties with the Awami League.
Shakib, however, defended himself, saying his post had no political motives. “She was deeply connected with cricket. I wished her a happy birthday only for that reason,” he said.
Shakib remains one of Bangladesh’s most successful cricketers. He last represented the national team in the October 2024 Test series against India.
He also served as a member of parliament for the Awami League but has not returned to the country since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
His name also appeared in a case related to the killing of a protester during anti-government demonstrations last year.