No chance for Shakib to return to national team after attending Sheikh Hasina's event: Sports Deputy Minister

On Wednesday, Shakib joined Sheikh Hasina's event via telephone from New Delhi. Immediately after, fresh discussions began over his return to cricket. Currently in Sri Lanka, Shakib is facing an investigation in a murder case over the crackdown on protesters.

The Deputy Minister for Sports said the government had earlier been lenient regarding Shakib. However, after his participation in that event with Sheikh Hasina, that leniency can no longer be maintained. He said, 'We were seeing the matter with enough tolerance. But now there is no opportunity to see it that way. A person who has stepped onto the same stage as an autocrat has no chance of returning.'

It is to be noted that Shakib is one of Bangladesh's most successful cricketers. He has played more than 400 international matches and five World Cups for the national team. In September 2024, he announced plans to retire after the second Test against India, but later expressed a desire to play the full series. In January this year, the BCB also indicated giving him a chance to return.

But after attending Wednesday's event, anger grew against him in the country. Shakib said his house was attacked with petrol bombs in the aftermath of the incident. On Thursday, he said he was ready to return to Bangladesh from Sri Lanka to face trial over all allegations, including the murder case, and was also willing to face trial if security was ensured. At the same time, he expressed hope of playing in the 2027 World Cup.