Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed has confirmed that all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is part of the national team’s plans for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, scheduled for February and March next year.
Speaking at a private event, Ahmed acknowledged the challenges surrounding Shakib’s potential participation, citing the player’s absence from Bangladesh due to security concerns. Despite these hurdles, Ahmed emphasized that Shakib al Hasan remains integral to the team’s strategy for the eight-team tournament.
“It’s certainly a challenge for Shakib to play for Bangladesh while he’s away from the country. For now, he remains part of our strategy for the Champions Trophy,” Ahmed stated.
“Shakib is still on our list, and we hope that if his current situation is resolved, he will be able to contribute significantly to the national team. However, competing from overseas presents substantial challenges for any player,” he added.
Shakib Al Hasan, under fire for his political affiliations with the Awami League, last represented Bangladesh in October. Following BCB’s advice, he opted out of the two-match home Test series against South Africa and missed the subsequent ODI series against Afghanistan, held in the UAE.
His absence from these fixtures has led to speculation about his availability for the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, with Ahmed indicating that Shakib’s participation remains uncertain.
Ahmed also highlighted the distinction between playing for franchise teams and representing the national side, particularly in terms of preparation and team cohesion.
“There’s a marked difference between playing for a franchise and representing the national team. Preparation and team cohesion are key. Given his current circumstances, it’s understandable that Shakib may not be in the best mental frame to compete at the highest level for his country,” Ahmed explained.
While Shakib al Hasan’s future with the national team remains uncertain, the BCB continues to hold out hope that a resolution to his situation will enable the star all-rounder to rejoin the squad and play a pivotal role in the Champions Trophy campaign.