Let’s see after this tournament, says Shakib on playing for Bangladesh again
While Shakib navigates the high-pressure environment of the T10 League, fans are left waiting for clarity on his international commitments.
Shakib Al Hasan's future in international cricket continues to be a subject of speculation as the Bangladeshi all-rounder remains tight-lipped about his plans.
Speaking during a captains' gathering ahead of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, Shakib was asked when fans could expect to see him back in national colours.
His response was enigmatic yet optimistic: "Let's see after this tournament."
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This simple statement has left room for interpretation. With Shakib's absence from international cricket extending since the India series, questions about his commitment to Bangladesh's cause have grown louder. However, his words hint that he may soon rejoin the national team.
Shakib, who is captaining the Bangla Tigers in the T10 League, appears fully focused on the ongoing tournament. "Right now, my full attention is on this league," he said. Despite this, his assurances have sparked hope that he might participate in Bangladesh's upcoming Test series against the West Indies, starting 22 november.
Shakib's international future has been under scrutiny since he announced plans to retire from Test cricket with a farewell match in Mirpur. That opportunity never materialised, and his inclusion in Bangladesh's Test squad for the West Indies remains uncertain.
The all-rounder has also hinted at stepping away from ODI cricket after the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025, raising concerns about how much more he will feature for Bangladesh.
Asked about his long-term intentions, Shakib remained non-committal, saying, "These decisions take time. For now, I'm focusing on the present."
The T10 League is currently Shakib's priority, where he leads a star-studded Bangla Tigers side featuring players like Rashid Khan and Dinesh Karthik.
When discussing his team's prospects, Shakib avoided making bold declarations. "Every team here is strong, and the competition is tough. Our goal is to stay balanced and perform well. That's all I can say at the moment," he remarked.
While Shakib navigates the high-pressure environment of the T10 League, fans are left waiting for clarity on his international commitments. His words have sparked hope but also left the door open for more questions.
For now, all eyes remain on the star all-rounder, whose decisions could significantly shape Bangladesh cricket's near future.
