Shakib says he prioritises cricket over politics, eyes final run with national team

FE Team | Published: April 07, 2026 22:12:29

Former Bangladesh cricket captain and ex-lawmaker Shakib Al Hasan announced he is shifting his entire focus back to cricket, expressing a strong desire to conclude his international career representing the national team, reports UNB.
The veteran all-rounder, who has been excluded from the national squad since the Awami League government collapsed in August, 2024, clarified his position in a statement posted to his verified Facebook page on Monday.
He acknowledged that while politics remains a crucial vehicle for national development, his immediate priority is delivering peak performances on
the pitch.
In a Facebook post on Monday night, he wrote: "Recently, a statement I made in the media has created quite a stir. I want to make this very clear to everyone: my full focus right now is on cricket. At this stage of my career, I want to perform at my best for the Bangladesh national team and give the country some memorable performances if I get the opportunity."
Shakib added that politics is important for the development of the country, and he hopes to contribute to national progress after retiring from cricket.
"But that does not have to be done only through politics. It is possible to work for the country outside
of politics, though it may be easier through it," he noted.
Shakib concluded by saying: "I hope to end my cricket career with a smile on my face, wearing the red-green jersey. For this, I seek the prayers and love of all the people of Bangladesh."
Shakib served as a Member of Parliament under the ousted Awami
League administration. Following the regime's fall,
he faced intense public backlash and navigating several legal challenges stemming from his political affiliation.
Although he previously scheduled a return to Bangladesh to participate in a home series under the interim government, mounting political pressure forced him to abruptly cancel those plans.