Hasina-linked exiled cricketer ready to face murder trial, seeks safe return
The 39-year-old has not retired from international cricket and said he still hopes to play one final series for Bangladesh at home before representing the country at the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, formerly a lawmaker of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, is prepared to return to his home country after two years of exile to face criminal charges, including a murder charge, and potentially play a farewell series for Bangladesh, according to Reuters. The 39-year-old has been residing in the United States since Hasina's government was ousted in an August 2024 student-led uprising.
Shakib expressed his willingness to return home if the government ensures his safety, and he hopes to play one final series before representing Bangladesh at the 2027 ODI World Cup. His potential return could serve as a litmus test for the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman regarding the return of former ruling party members.
Hasina, who is currently in India, announced plans to return to Bangladesh in December, despite being sentenced to death there. Shakib reiterated his desire to return immediately, but if the government cannot guarantee his safety, he would wait until Hasina's return. The former Prime Minister's legal troubles have not spared Shakib, who recently appeared in a press conference in Delhi alongside Hasina.
His unoccupied house in Bangladesh was subsequently attacked. Shakib defended his presence at the event, stating he had only appealed for peace and progress of Bangladesh. He has also written to Bangladesh's interior, law, and sports ministries through his lawyer, requesting for fabricated cases to be dropped, but has not received any response. Shakib is open to discussing his return with Prime Minister Rahman.
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