Sports Adviser’s Stark Warning
In a dramatic development for Bangladesh cricket, the Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud has announced that Shakib Al Hasan will never again wear the national jersey. The directive, given to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), effectively bars one of the nation’s most celebrated players from future selection. This announcement comes after a heated social media exchange linked to Shakib’s birthday message for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which spiraled into a much larger debate about politics, loyalty, and the role of athletes in representing their country. The decision has left fans, analysts, and players shocked, as it marks a turning point in the relationship between cricket and politics in Bangladesh.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The controversy first ignited on September 28, 2025, when Shakib Al Hasan posted a photo alongside Sheikh Hasina, accompanied by the caption “Happy birthday, Apa.” While the gesture appeared innocuous to many, it triggered an immediate political backlash. Asif Mahmud, without directly naming Shakib, made a sharp response on social media. He wrote, “Many cursed me for not rehabilitating one person. But I was right. End of discussion.” This cryptic message fueled speculation, and within hours the situation escalated.
The following day, Asif clarified his position during an interview with Channel 24. He categorically stated that Shakib Al Hasan was deeply entangled in political affairs and could no longer represent the nation’s cricket team. “From now on, I will give a clear directive to the Bangladesh Cricket Board: Shakib will never again play for Bangladesh,” he said. His reasoning was that the national team should remain politically neutral, and he argued that allowing Shakib to continue would damage the integrity of the Bangladesh jersey.
Shakib Al Hasan’s Response and Defense
In response, Shakib Al Hasan defended himself strongly against allegations of political motives. He explained that his connection with Sheikh Hasina stretched back years, primarily through her deep interest in cricket. According to Shakib, his birthday message was a matter of personal respect rather than political alignment. “She has always followed cricket closely, even before her political involvement. I wished her from that point of view. There was no other motive behind my post,” he said.
Shakib also expressed his disappointment at the adviser’s stance in a Facebook post, where he openly stated: “So someone has finally accepted that it’s because of him that I can never put on the Bangladesh jersey again, because of whom I can’t play for Bangladesh again. Maybe I will return to my motherland one day. Love you, Bangladesh.” His words carried both sorrow and defiance, hinting at the emotional toll this controversy has taken on one of the nation’s cricketing heroes.
Why the Adviser Takes Such a Firm Stand
The sports adviser defended his position by alleging that Shakib Al Hasan was not only politically aligned but also carried a history of controversy. Asif Mahmud argued that Shakib’s previous role as a Member of Parliament for the Awami League showed his deep-rooted political ties. According to him, such political affiliations make it unacceptable for Shakib to carry the Bangladesh flag in international sports.
He also framed the matter as an issue of fairness and accountability, saying that sporting icons should not be above principles or laws. “Why should someone be rehabilitated just because he’s a good cricketer?” he asked during a press briefing. This statement indicates that the adviser views the issue as larger than cricket—it is about separating sports from politics and setting an example for future generations.
Shakib’s Legacy and Career Achievements
Despite the present turmoil, it is impossible to discuss Shakib Al Hasan without acknowledging his extraordinary achievements in cricket. Over the course of nearly two decades, he has amassed over 14,000 international runs and taken more than 650 wickets, making him one of the most prolific all-rounders in modern cricket. His performance in the 2019 World Cup is still regarded as one of the best individual campaigns in tournament history, as he consistently delivered with both bat and ball.
Shakib has long been the backbone of Bangladesh’s cricket team, providing balance, leadership, and resilience. His ability to turn games single-handedly has made him an icon not just in Bangladesh but across the cricketing world. He remains one of the few players to top the ICC rankings for all-rounders in all three formats at various points in his career.
Yet, his journey has not been without setbacks. In 2024, he was banned from bowling after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) deemed his action illegal. He failed a reassessment in December that year, prolonging his suspension. Fortunately, in 2025, his action was cleared after further review, allowing him to resume his bowling career. These ups and downs have only added to his complex legacy—one that is equal parts brilliance and controversy.
Political Involvement
Another factor that complicates Shakib Al Hasan’s career is his entry into politics. He once served as a Member of Parliament for Magura under the Awami League. While many admired his decision to give back to his constituency, others saw it as a distraction from cricket. His dual identity as both a politician and an athlete has often drawn criticism, with some arguing that it blurred the lines between his responsibilities to sport and politics. This latest controversy has only intensified that debate, as critics point to his political history as justification for the adviser’s ban.
Implications for Bangladesh Cricket
The decision to bar Shakib Al Hasan from the national team could have wide-ranging consequences for Bangladesh cricket. Firstly, it creates a huge vacuum in terms of experience and skill. Shakib’s versatility as an all-rounder has often been the difference-maker in international contests, and replacing a player of his caliber is not an easy task. His absence leaves Bangladesh without one of its most dependable performers in pressure situations.
Secondly, the move could affect team morale. Younger players who looked up to Shakib as a mentor may feel demoralized, while the controversy could create divisions within the squad. For fans, the ban raises concerns about the politicization of sport. Cricket in Bangladesh is more than just a game—it is a national passion—and many fear that administrative or political interference could undermine its purity.
Moreover, the decision sets a precedent for sports governance in Bangladesh. If players can be barred for political affiliations, future athletes may find themselves caught in the crossfire of politics and administration. Critics argue that sports should remain a neutral ground where performance, not politics, determines selection. Finally, there is also the risk of a talent drain, as sidelining veterans like Shakib could push younger cricketers to focus on overseas leagues instead of prioritizing the national team.
What Happens Next?
At this stage, several questions remain unanswered. Will the Bangladesh Cricket Board fully comply with the adviser’s directive, or will there be resistance from within the cricketing establishment? Does the adviser have the constitutional authority to enforce such a ban, or is this merely a strong political statement? Could Shakib challenge the decision legally, or appeal through public opinion and fan support?