Bangladeshi cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan has expressed his readiness to return home from a two-year exile to face pending legal proceedings, provided the government guarantees his personal security. The 39-year-old, who previously served as a politician for the Awami League under ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been residing in the United States since the student-led uprising in August 2024 that resulted in the government’s collapse.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his legal status, Shakib remains active in international cricket and harbors ambitions of competing in a farewell series on home soil, as well as representing Bangladesh at the 2027 Cricket World Cup. His potential return serves as a significant test for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration regarding its policy toward figures associated with the former ruling party, especially as Hasina herself has signaled intentions to return this December despite an outstanding death sentence.
Speaking by phone from Sri Lanka, where he is currently participating in franchise cricket, Shakib stated, “If I get the clearance from the government that my security will be ensured, I am happy to go back, face the court trial and everything that’s needed to be done.” He maintained his innocence, asserting, “I know I haven’t done anything,” while providing his most comprehensive account of his time abroad to date.
Shakib’s situation is complicated by the broader political fallout from the 2024 transition. He noted that he has attempted to resolve his legal issues by writing to the interior, law, and sports ministries, as well as the police, through legal counsel, but has yet to receive a formal response. He expressed a strong desire to engage directly with Prime Minister Rahman to discuss the conditions of his return.
The cricketer faces two active cases: one involving allegations of corruption and another related to the death of a protester during the 2024 uprising. Shakib dismissed the latter as a “laughable case,” noting that he was playing a match in Toronto on the day the incident allegedly occurred. He has not yet appointed a defense lawyer for these proceedings.
Financial hurdles also persist, as Shakib confirmed his bank accounts have been frozen for eighteen months pending investigations. While he declined to specify the banks or the total amount withheld, he emphasized his record as a top taxpayer over the last decade. “I will give you all the information you need, but if you don’t find anything, just release it,” he stated.
His personal life has been significantly impacted by the political climate. Shakib revealed he has been unable to see his parents for two years, as they remain in Bangladesh under travel restrictions. “It’s been difficult for all of us, but we are surviving,” he remarked.
Previous attempts to return have failed. In late 2024, he boarded a flight based on security assurances from the interim government, only to be told mid-journey to turn back. He subsequently landed in Dubai before returning to his home in New York. A later attempt was blocked after he posted a birthday message for Hasina on social media, an action authorities cited as grounds for denying his entry.
Shakib rejected suggestions that distancing himself from the Awami League would facilitate his return. “There is no way I will consider that,” he said. He also addressed his recent virtual appearance at a Delhi press conference alongside Hasina, which resulted in an attack on his unoccupied home in Bangladesh. He defended his participation, stating he had only called for peace and national progress.
Regarding his future in the sport, the veteran player acknowledged the constraints of age. “I am playing most of the franchise leagues. I am feeling good, still enjoying the game, playing well also,” he said. “But… age is not on my side at this moment, so I cannot wait for too long.”
As the political situation evolves, Shakib remains committed to following the lead of his former political allies. “Whatever the captain says, we follow her,” he said, referring to Hasina. “I think they will decide it better, and we will follow the instructions given to us.”
Now 39, the player has not yet retired from international cricket and said he still hopes to play a farewell series at home and represent his country at the 2027 Cricket World Cup, a one-day international tournament.
Hasina, who has been living in India, was sentenced to death in absentia over the crackdown on the Bangladesh protests that killed about 1,400 people, according to the United Nations.
“I don’t know what changed in 12 hours,” he said, adding that the trip had been arranged over the previous five to seven days.
“I don’t understand how that is the criteria for not letting me into Bangladesh,” he said.
In 2024, the then-interim government’s sports adviser, Asif Mahmud, said Shakib would be given security like any other cricketer, but he urged the player to clarify his political stance to reduce public anger over his Awami League ties.
“When someone is the highest-taxed player for the last 10 years and paid all the taxes and everything and his account has been frozen for a year and a half for investigation,” he said.
On Thursday, Shakib said his house had been attacked after he joined Hasina’s first public media conference since her 2024 removal from power.
