Shakib Al Hasan To Return To International Cricket in Bangladesh vs Pakistan Series

Bangladeshi cricketing legend Shakib Al Hasan is set to return to international cricket in the Bangladesh vs Pakistan three-match ODI series. His comeback is expected in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India. However, after the ICC did not approve Bangladesh’s request for a neutral venue, the team decided to pull out of the tournament, which further delayed his return.

Bangladesh Cricket Board wants Shakib Al Hasan in Bangladesh’s squad

Shakib Al Hasan is arguably one of the best cricketers from Bangladesh, who was out of action from international cricket due to political and legal issues, including allegations of corruption. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has made it clear that the board wants Shakib back in the squad.

Amzad Hussain, a director of the BCB, said, "The government will look after the cases involving Shakib. We are not handling any legal proceedings. Lawyers and the court will deal with those matters. From our side, we have said clearly that we want Shakib in the team. We feel his presence is necessary. The question is what role the BCB can play in this context.”

After opting out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Bangladesh is all set to play the three-match ODI series against Pakistan starting from March 11, and BCB has demanded the return of Shakib Al Hasan.

The 38-year-old has been an asset for Bangladesh in all three formats of the game since his debut in international cricket. He has played 71 Test matches for the country, scoring 4609 runs, including 5 centuries and 31 half-centuries, and also took 246 wickets.

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In ODI cricket, he played 247 matches and scored 7570 runs, including 9 hundreds, and took 317 wickets with an average of 29.52. Shakib played a total of 129 T20Is for Bangladesh, scoring 2551 runs and taking 149 wickets.

Pakistan tour of Bangladesh 2026 Match Schedule