Bangladesh’s star cricketer and former captain Shakib Al Hasan is at the centre of a major controversy following his recent social media activity. Sports advisor Asif Mahmud has announced his intention to permanently block Shakib from representing the national cricket team.
Mahmud stated that although he had not issued a formal directive to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) before, he now plans to do so. The announcement followed Shakib’s birthday wish to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, which Mahmud cited as evidence of the player’s political involvement.
Mahmud claimed that Shakib was “intricately involved with Awami League’s politics,” referencing the ousted government led by Hasina, which was removed earlier this year after a public uprising.
Political Allegations and Strong Statements
The situation intensified after Mahmud’s strong remarks on a Dhaka-based news channel. “We cannot let him carry the Bangladesh flag,” he said, adding, “It won’t be possible for me to allow him to wear the Bangladesh jersey. Maybe I haven’t told the BCB before, but now my clear direction for the BCB would be that Shakib Al Hasan can never again play for Bangladesh.”
According to Mahmud, Shakib had made multiple appeals to return to the national side, claiming that he was forced to accept a nomination from the Awami League during the 2024 general elections. Shakib allegedly stated that his political involvement was unintentional and that he had only sought to serve his constituency in Magura. Despite these explanations, Mahmud dismissed Shakib’s claims, insisting that he had deeper political connections than he admitted.
Shakib’s Defence and Social Media Reaction
In response to the backlash, Shakib Al Hasan shared his birthday wish, arguing that his message was not politically motivated. “She [Hasina] has always followed cricket seriously – isn’t that right?” he said. “She was deeply involved with cricket. We had a relationship through that, even before politics. I wished her from that point of view. There was no other motive, or trying to instigate anyone.”
He further took to social media to express his disappointment over Mahmud’s comments. “So someone has finally accepted that it’s because of him that I can never put on the Bangladesh jersey again, because of whom I can’t play for Bangladesh again. Maybe I will return to my motherland one day. Love you, Bangladesh,” he wrote. Shakib’s remarks highlight his frustration over the situation, as his cricketing future with the national team now remains uncertain amid rising political tensions and public scrutiny.
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