Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is set to run in the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections on January 7. He secured his nomination from the ruling Awami League and will be contesting from the Magura-1 constituency, his home district.
This move follows a trend of Bangladeshi cricketers entering politics. Former captain Mashrafe Mortaza previously became an MP from Narail, and he has received a nomination once again this year. Additionally, BCB President Nazmul Hassan became an MP in 2009.
While Shakib has been engaged in community activities in his hometown for an extended period, he has not previously entered the political arena actively. This marks his first active foray into politics.
BCB director Shafiul Alam Chowdhury has been nominated for the Moulvibazar seat. However, Naimur Rahman, a former Bangladesh captain and incumbent MP, was unsuccessful in securing the Manikganj seat for the upcoming elections.
It’s also uncommon for active international cricketers to enter politics. Before Shakib and Mashrafe, Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya ran for public office in the 2010 general elections.
Shakib is presently recuperating from a finger injury he suffered in the World Cup game against Sri Lanka, leading to his absence in Bangladesh’s last match against Australia.
Despite confirming that he won’t continue as the ODI captain before the 2023 World Cup, the 36-year-old retains his role as Bangladesh’s T20I skipper.
As the team prepares for the 2024 T20 World Cup in June, how Shakib balances cricket with his inaugural political campaign remains to be observed.
