Bangladesh Cricket Board president Faruque Ahmed stated that all-rounder Shakib al Hasan was still part of their plans for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Speaking to the media during the 鈥榊outh Festival 2025鈥� event on Sunday, Faruque acknowledged the challenges for Shakib to represent the national team while being abroad but remained hopeful for his return.
鈥楽hakib is still on the list, and we hope that the way he wants it, if there is a solution, then definitely he still possesses the capability to play for the national team. But in this way, it鈥檚 not easy to play from outside the country,鈥� Faruque told the media.
Shakib was advised not to return to the country after the cricketer wanted to play his farewell Test at home against South Africa; he also missed the Afghanistan series in the UAE in November.
The all-rounder鈥檚 participation in the West Indies ODIs also appears unlikely, as the president emphasised that representing the national team while staying outside the team鈥檚 environment is difficult.
鈥楶laying for a franchise and playing for the country are not the same. You need preparation and being able to gel with the team,鈥� Faruque said.
鈥楽ince he can鈥檛 do those things, he is not in a big mental state to play for the country. Because of that, we have left this thing up to him on what he wants to think.鈥�
The BCB president added that Shakib鈥檚 participation in the upcoming BPL depends on the law enforcement agencies and the justice system.
鈥楢ctually, I can鈥檛 say much about it. If you keep asking me about it, it鈥檚 embarrassing. I want him to play. But the whole thing鈥攖he reasons why he can鈥檛 come鈥攊t鈥檚 not related to the board. The law enforcement agencies, courts, they have to mention it,鈥� he added.