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DHAKA: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Haque, on Tuesday, opened up on the future of veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan with the national team.
Amid increasing speculation about Shakib’s future, especially regarding his recent political controversies and ongoing legal issues, Haque confirmed that the former captain is still available for selection in all formats.
“Shakib is still available as a cricketer. He hasn’t retired from any format,” said the newly appointed BCB chief, putting to rest any assumptions of an unannounced exit from the game.
While Aminul Haque acknowledged he has yet to establish contact with the 38-year-old since taking over as board president, he stated that communication is on the agenda.
“I haven’t spoken to Shakib Al Hasan yet, but I do plan to,” he added.
The BCB head also made it clear that decisions regarding player selections are strictly the domain of the selectors, not the board administration.
“Team selection is the selectors’ responsibility. My job is to run the board, not to decide who plays,” Haque reiterated.
The former captain’s future involvement with the national side, Haque said, will depend on discussions between the player and the selectors, taking into account his availability and interest.
He last represented Bangladesh in the Test series against India in October 2024. He has one of the most distinguished careers in Bangladesh cricket, having played 71 Test matches, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is.
Throughout his career, he has scored 14,730 runs and taken 712 wickets across all formats.
Shakib Al Hasan is currently in Guyana, where he is representing Dubai Capitals during the second edition of the Global Super League (GSL).
During the season opener against Central Districts, he gave an all-round performance to lead his side to a 22-run victory.
He struck an unbeaten 58 off 37, followed by a brilliant spell with the ball, taking four wickets for 13 runs.
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