Sports Desk

Former Bangladesh captain Khaled Mahmud Sujon has weighed in on the uncertain future of Shakib Al Hasan, whose career has been recently marred by a combination of political involvement and an ICC bowling ban.

As coach of Dhaka Capitals in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Sujon’s campaign has been underwhelming, but the absence of Shakib, arguably the country’s Bangladesh’s most iconic player, looms large over the tournament’s 11th instalment.

“He [Shakib] is the world’s number one all-rounder,” Mahmud told The Daily Star, when asked if Shakib’s absence diminishes the tournament’s appeal, during an interview with Abdullah Al Mehdi.

“One day he will have to retire. Chittagong [Kings] franchise incurred a loss as he couldn’t play, and they took him through direct signing. They could have taken someone else if they understood the situation. Having a player like him is a big thing. But time will heal everything,” he added.

Shakib last played an ODI during the 2023 World Cup and has not represented the Tigers since a Test series against India in September 2024. Left out of the provisional 15-man squad for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy, his playing future now looks bleak.

Political hurdles and his ICC-imposed bowling ban, resulting from a failed action test, have made selectors hesitant to consider him as a batter-only option.

Asked about Shakib’s return to the country and cricket, Sujon struck a realistic tone. “I don’t think he will be able to play,” he said. “Obviously, he will return someday as he is a citizen of the country, but I don’t think he will be playing.”