Shakib Al Hasan is back as Bangladesh captain but there is a twist

Shakib Al Hasan is back as Bangladesh captain… well, sort of. Before fans celebrate what looks like an international comeback, here’s the catch. Bangladesh’s greatest all-rounder is yet to return to lead the national team. Instead, the 38-year-old was named Bangladesh Tigers captain for the upcoming Asian Legends League, giving fans a nostalgic look at a familiar sight.

Bangladesh Tigers have fielded an experienced squad that includes Alok Kapali (Vice-Captain), Dhiman Ghosh, Mehedy Maruf, Shafiul Islam, Abul Hassan Raju and several other former domestic and international stars. While this is a competition of legends, Shakib’s return to a leadership role is undoubtedly one of the biggest themes of the tournament.

After all, captaincy in Bangladesh has been synonymous with Shakib for most of the last decade. Widely regarded as the country’s greatest cricketer, he scored more than 14,000 international runs, took more than 700 wickets across formats and spent years as the world’s best all-rounder. His impact on Bangladeshi cricket is virtually unmatched. Courtesy: Asian Legends League

WHEN IS SHAKB COMING BACK?

That remains the million dollar question.

Although Shakib is set to lead the Bangladesh Tigers, his return to the Bangladesh national team remains on hold. The veteran was unable to return to his home country following the political unrest that erupted after the fall of the Awami League government in 2024. Legal cases and security concerns forced him to miss the expected farewell Test in Dhaka, leaving his international future uncertain.

However, there is a ray of hope.

Earlier this year the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) once again opened the door for Shakib’s international comebackstating that he remains eligible for selection provided he is available, fit and able to travel to match venues. The board also confirmed that they will issue him No Objection Certificates (NOC) for overseas tournaments, signaling that they still see a place for the veteran in Bangladesh cricket.

For now, however, Shakib’s captaincy return comes with an asterisk. It’s not the Bangladesh team that millions grew up with, but it’s still Shakib leading the side in green and red. And sometimes it’s enough to remind fans why he remains one of the biggest names the country has ever produced.

Bangladesh Tigers team for Asian Legends League

Shakib Al Hassan (C), Nazmues Sadat, Mehedy Maruf, Alok Kapali (VC), Dhiman Ghosh (WK), Abul Hassan Raju, Shafiul Islam, Muktar Ali, Nazmul Hossain Milon, Taposh Ghosh, Uttam Kumar Sarker, Saqlain Sojib, Emon Farhad Hossain, Raqurhel.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

30 Jul 2026 18:12 IST