Uncertainty over veteran Shakib-al-Hasan’s availability for Champions Trophy 2025 continues, with the Bangladesh cricketer-turned-politician’s troubles still persisting. Hasan hasn’t returned to Bangladesh since the government led by former PM Sheikh Hasina was toppled earlier this year. With just a few months left for CT 2025, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is now divided over Hasan’s inclusion in the side for the marquee event.
Will Shakib al Hasan play Champions Trophy 2025?
BCB president Faruque Ahmed had a rather mixed response when he was asked on Sunday about Shakib al Hasan’s availability for CT 2025. As per Daily Star Bangladesh, Ahmed said that Shakib was “still on the list” for the team’s scheme of things in the mega event and said that he hoped the cricketer’s issues off the field will be resolved soon
“Right now, he [Shakib] is still in the list. We hope that the issues get solved in the way he wants. Definitely, he still possesses the capability to play for the national team,” BCB president Faruque Ahmed said.
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BCB’s ultimatum to Shakib al Hasan
However, he claimed that Shakib was not “in the mental state” to play for the country, while also flagging that playing franchise cricket is not the same as playing for Bangladesh.
“Playing for a franchise and playing for the country is not the same thing. You need preparation and also you really need to gel with the team. Since he can’t do those things, I don’t think he is in a mental state to play for the country. Because of that, we have left this thing up to him,” he added.
Shakib al Hasan had announced his decision to retire from Tests during the IND vs BAN series. He had already retired from T20Is earlier. While Shakib is nearing the end of his career, he kept his options open to play Champions Trophy 2025. However, things took an unexpected turn for the all-rounder due to political developments at home, forcing him to stay away. While the BCB has maintained that it will support the cricketer when it comes to playing for the country, the matter is now in the hands of the court of law.
