![Shakib Al Hasan's public spat with BCB [Source: AFP Photos]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1765186132115_shakib_al_hasan_bangladesh.jpg?type=hq)
Shakib Al Hasan's public spat with BCB [Source: AFP Photos]
Shakib Al Hasan’s relationship with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has always been complicated. But in 2024, it reached a breaking point.
What started out as political tension and off-field controversy gradually took on the dimensions of a full-blown standoff that, until now, still casts a shadow over his international future.
Let’s follow the timeline of the public spat one incident at a time:
Political ties to the Awami League forced Shakib to flee Bangladesh
Shakib Al Hasan last played for Bangladesh in October 2024. After the rise of political unrest in Bangladesh, his career was greatly affected by it.
Shakib Al Hasan had a controversial political career as a Member of Parliament for the Awami League Party after August 2024, when a change in government resulted in protests in Bangladesh that allegedly saw a number of lawsuits filed against him.
Despite Shakib’s denial of all charges, he fled the country during an active criminal investigation.
As pressure and threats mounted, Shakib Al Hasan went silent. He did not take part in Bangladesh’s international matches and remained outside the country.
The BCB, meanwhile, found itself walking a fine line. While some officials privately indicated that doors were not completely closed for him, public statements became more cautious.
The board avoided naming him in squads and hinted that “availability and clearance” were major concerns.
Shakib Al Hasan faced a public threat of a permanent ban
In September 2024, matters worsened when Shakib Al Hasan wished former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a happy birthday on social media.
This triggered a strong response from political figures, including government sports advisers, who openly stated that Shakib should not represent Bangladesh again and threatened a permanent ban.
Though the BCB did not officially echo that statement, their silence spoke volumes.
At the same time, it was reported that Shakib had not been paid his salary for four months (Sept-Dec 2024), allegedly because his bank account had been frozen as a result of government investigations regarding the political situation.
BCB recognised the dues, but the delay was indicative of a breakdown in mutual trust and cooperation.
Shakib Al Hasan got involved in criminal and financial cases
In late 2024 and into 2025, reports about financial and tax investigations involving Shakib Al Hasan surfaced. Reports started coming out about Shakib's undisclosed earnings from the T20 leagues and his other business dealings.
In June 2025, a Dhaka court imposed a travel ban on Shakib in connection with a corruption case launched by the national anti-corruption authority, complicating any prospects of a comeback.
In addition to that, the all-rounder was also named one of the 147 people accused in the Mohammed Rubel murder case in an FIR lodged by student protesters.
All these claims, still under investigation, made the BCB even more hesitant to commit to his return.
At this stage, the issue was no longer just about form or fitness. It had become a matter of image, legality, and national politics.
Shakib’s cricketing career is done and dusted
For more than a year, Shakib Al Hasan has not set foot in Bangladesh. He is evading his homecoming, citing fear of life. His controversial political career and legal cases have stained his image.
While Shakib still seeks a comeback, BCB would think twice before allowing the all-rounder to wear Bangladesh colours again amid such resistance from the fans and stakeholders.
Thus, the fight between Shakib Al Hasan and the BCB is not only about cricket any more. It is about power, politics, reputation, and responsibility. A player once seen as the face of Bangladesh cricket now stands at a distance from the very institution that shaped his career.
