Shakib Al Hasan would be available for selection in both the home and away series, subject to his fitness and availability, stated the Bangladesh Cricket Board on Saturday.

‘The board has unanimously decided that based on Shakib Al Hasan’s availability, fitness, accessibility, and capacity to present at the particular venue, the board or the selection panel will consider him for selection,’ said chairman of the BCB’s media committee Amzad Hussain after a board meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Saturday.

‘If Shakib Al Hasan [wants to] participate in a different global tournament [league], then the board will provide him the NOC on a need basis,’ he added.

Shakib, who was a former MP of the ousted Awami League government, last appeared for the national team in October 2024, in the Kanpur Test against India.

He had expressed his wish to bid farewell to Test cricket in a home series against South Africa in 2024. However, despite being named in the squad, Shakib was not able to return to Bangladesh.

In September last year, the then adviser of the sports ministry, Asif Mahmud, stated that Shakib would never play for the national team again.

However, Asif Akbar, another director of the BCB, said that Shakib’s name was presented in the latest board meeting while discussing the names of the upcoming central contracts.

‘I have personally talked to Shakib. He wants to play. We have already asked our president [Aminul Islam] to discuss the matter with the government. It’s up to the government how they will deal with his personal issues. But from our side, we have wanted him,’ said Asif.

‘When a representative from our board contacted him, he said that he would be available in both home and away series. So he might have taken the decision considering all things,’ added Amzad.

Asif also mentioned that if Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, another former MP of the former Awami government, could stay in Bangladesh, then it would not be a problem for Shakib either.

Without providing a name, he also mentioned another ‘cricketer’s’ name, and his presence in an alleged meeting happened on August 3, 2024—two days before Sheikh Hasina was ousted.

‘There are two to three examples. Mashrafe Bin Mortaza is staying in Bangladesh. After August 3, another cricketer is staying. If those two can stay [here], then Shakib also can,’ said Asif.