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Key Points

Bangladesh's sports advisor has made it official that Shakib Al Hasan will never play for the national team again. The decision comes after Shakib's birthday wish to exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sparked controversy. Shakib defended his action, saying it was personal and not politically motivated given their long cricket connection. However, authorities cited his deep involvement with Awami League politics as the reason for the permanent ban.

Key Points: Shakib Al Hasan Banned From Bangladesh Cricket Over Hasina Ties

  • Sports advisor confirms permanent ban citing Shakib's Awami League political ties
  • Shakib's birthday wish to exiled Sheikh Hasina triggered the final decision
  • Former captain claims his wish was purely personal, not political
  • Shakib served as Awami League MP before government's August 2024 collapse
3 min read

Shakib Al Hasan will never play for country again: Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Mahmud

Bangladesh sports advisor confirms Shakib Al Hasan will never play for national team again due to his political involvement with ousted Awami League government.

"We cannot let him carry the Bangladesh flag. It won't be possible for me to allow him to wear the Bangladesh jersey. - Asif Mahmud"

New Delhi, September 30

Bangladesh's sports advisor, Asif Mahmud, has confirmed that Shakib Al Hasan will no longer be allowed to play for the national team, as the former captain was "intricately involved with Awami League's politics," ESPNcricinfo reported.

Shakib served as an Awami League member of parliament. However, his tenure was cut short when the Hasina government was toppled in a student-led revolution in August 2024, prompting Sheikh Hasina to flee to India on August 5.

Mahmud's strong reaction came after Hasan posted on social media wishing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her birthday.

Asif responded with a cryptic message that seemed to reference Shakib, saying, "All of you have abused me a lot for not rehabilitating one person. But I was right. End of the discussion."

Shakib went next, posting: "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."

According to ESPNcricinfo, there were more messages out in public before Asif said he would instruct the BCB not to select Shakib again. He noted that Shakib was "intricately involved with Awami League's politics".

"We cannot let him carry the Bangladesh flag. 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," he added.

Shakib claimed that his birthday wish to Sheikh Hasina was not politically motivated.

"She has always followed cricket seriously...[Hasina] 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," Hasan said.

Shakib futher emphasised that his intention wasn't to instigate anyone with the post, downplaying any political significance.

"She [Hasina] has always followed cricket seriously - isn't that right. 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," Shakib said.

Shakib played Tests against Pakistan and India before August 5 last year but has not been selected in the national team since then, despite continuing to play in franchise leagues elsewhere.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As an Indian cricket lover, I feel bad for Shakib. We've enjoyed watching him play against India. Sports and politics should be kept separate. Hope he finds peace wherever he goes.
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Arjun K
Honestly, if he was involved in politics at that level, it's understandable why the new government doesn't want him representing the country. National team players should be above political affiliations.
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Sarah B
Shakib's IPL performances were amazing! It's a shame that political differences are ending such a brilliant career. Cricket is losing a true legend. 🏏
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Michael C
From a neutral perspective, this seems like a harsh punishment for a birthday wish. The advisor's reaction appears quite extreme. There should be room for forgiveness in sports.
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Ananya R
Yaar, this is so unfortunate! I remember watching Shakib play against India in Kolkata. Such a talented player. Hope better sense prevails and he gets to play for his country again. 🇧🇩
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Vikram M
While I understand the government's position, banning a player of Shakib's caliber permanently seems excessive. Maybe a cooling-off period would have been more appropriate. The game is bigger than politics.

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