BCB Revives Shakib Al Hasan Return Talks to Deflect T20 World Cup Exclusion Crisis

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has once again brought legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan into the spotlight, raising questions about whether the move is a genuine effort to reintegrate the star cricketer or a calculated distraction from the fallout of Bangladesh's exclusion from the ICC T20 World Cup.

The Board Meeting and Shakib Announcement

Following a nearly eight-hour board meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Saturday, January 24, BCB officials addressed the media in a 40-minute press conference. The central talking point quickly shifted from the World Cup exclusion to the prospect of Shakib's return to international cricket.

BCB media committee chairman Amzad Hossain confirmed that Shakib's name was raised during discussions about the 27 contracted players.

"We had an agenda item about the 27 contracted players. During that discussion, a director proposed Shakib's name. He said Shakib is interested and that he has spoken to him."

He further elaborated:

"The board has unanimously decided that, based on Shakib Al Hasan's availability, fitness and accessibility, and whether he can be present at the venue, the board and the selection panel will consider him for future selection. If Shakib participates in other global tournaments, the board will provide NOCs as required."

A Familiar BCB Playbook

This strategy of invoking Shakib's name during times of crisis is not new for the BCB. The pattern has been observed under previous administrations, particularly during Nazmul Hossain's tenure as BCB president.

According to sources within the cricketing community, Nazmul would frequently criticize Shakib publicly to assert authority, only to privately reassure players that such statements were meant to manage media narratives rather than reflect genuine sentiments. Shakib, being one of the most experienced cricketers in Bangladesh's history, reportedly understood this dynamic and navigated it throughout his career.

Former BCB president Faruque Ahmed also repeatedly expressed his desire to see Shakib return but consistently maintained that the final decision rested with the government. The government ultimately did not permit Shakib's return due to his political associations with the ousted Awami League regime.

Shakib's Own Skepticism

The all-rounder himself has expressed uncertainty about the board's true intentions. Speaking earlier during Faruque Ahmed's tenure, Shakib questioned whether the renewed discussions about his return were sincere.

"I cannot say whether they are really keen or not because I cannot read other people's minds."

This remark suggested that the board's interest might be driven more by his star value than a genuine desire for his reintegration.

The Political Dimension

The timing of the Shakib discussion carries significant political undertones. With a general election scheduled for February 12 and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) emerging as frontrunners, there is growing speculation that a change in government could facilitate Shakib's return.

The BNP has stated its reluctance to mix sports and politics, which could potentially remove the political barriers that have kept Shakib out of the national team since the July movement that led to the removal of Awami League leaders from power.

Analysts believe that if Shakib does return under a new regime, the BCB will be eager to claim credit, positioning the current discussions as evidence of long-standing efforts to bring him back.

Government Approval: The Missing Piece

Critically, the BCB has not clarified whether it secured or even sought government approval before publicly announcing plans regarding Shakib's return. This government mandate was previously the primary obstacle preventing Shakib from rejoining the national setup.

"The president (Aminul Islam) will talk to the government about the legal matter."

This statement from Asif Akbar, who was present at the press conference, indicates that crucial governmental discussions have yet to take place.

World Cup Exclusion: No Legal Challenge

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's exclusion from the ICC T20 World Cup, with Scotland taking their place, will not be contested legally by the BCB.

"We would not go for arbitration."

Amzad confirmed this when asked about potential legal action against the ICC's decision. The exclusion, widely perceived as politically driven, has left Bangladesh's cricketing community disappointed and questioning the board's leadership during this critical period.

Looking Ahead: Uncertainty Prevails

Whether the BCB's invocation of Shakib Al Hasan's name will help salvage its credibility remains uncertain. The strategy appears to be a continuation of a familiar approach—reshuffling the deck and hoping the next card distracts from previous failures.

For Bangladesh cricket fans, the World Cup dream is over. The question now is whether Shakib's potential return is a genuine possibility or merely another headline-grabbing maneuver in the BCB's crisis management playbook.

The upcoming general election on February 12 could prove decisive, not just for Bangladesh's political landscape but potentially for the future of one of cricket's most celebrated all-rounders.