Shakib Al Hasan likely to join Lahore Qalandars for remainder of PSL 10

Bangladesh stalwart Shakib Al Hasan is set to return to competitive cricket as he is likely to join Lahore Qalandars for the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10. 

According to a report by the Daily Sun, a senior official from Lahore Qalandars has confirmed interest in Shakib; however, the deal has not been finalized yet.

“There is interest in him, but nothing is final. We will share updates about our overseas players once everything is confirmed,” the Daily Sun quoted the official.

Shakib Al Hasan has previously represented Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in the PSL.

It is pertinent to mention that Shakib Al Hasan is a former lawmaker from the party of autocratic former-leader Sheikh Hasina, who was overthrown in a student-led uprising last year and fled by helicopter to neighbouring India.

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Shakib Al Hasan was participating in a domestic Twenty20 cricket tournament in Canada when Hasina’s government collapsed, and he has not returned to Bangladesh since.

The left-arm all-rounder has played 71 Tests, 247 One Day Internationals, and 129 Twenty20 matches for Bangladesh, taking a total of 712 wickets.

His last appearance in competitive cricket was in November last year, when he represented Bangla Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.

For the unversed, PSL 10, which was briefly suspended last week due to rising cross-border tensions with India, is all set to resume on May 17 with Karachi Kings facing Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Rawalpindi will host three matches, including a double-header on Sunday, May 18, with Quetta Gladiators taking on Multan Sultans in the afternoon, followed by a clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars in the evening.

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The last match at the venue will see defending champions Islamabad United face Karachi Kings on May 19.

After that, the action will move to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will host the business end of the tournament.

The Qualifier, Eliminator 1, and Eliminator 2 are scheduled for May 21, 22, and 23, respectively, with the grand final to be played on May 25.

READ: Rassie van der Dussen joins Islamabad United for remainder of PSL 10

Shakib Al Hasan says prayers for Tamim Iqbal would be the ‘best birthday gift’

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan turned 38 on Monday, but any plans for celebration were put aside following the medical emergency of his longtime teammate, Tamim Iqbal.

The 36-year-old was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club against Shinepukur Cricket Club at BKSP when he suffered a severe heart attack, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world.

Despite receiving initial medical attention, his condition worsened, prompting an emergency transfer to Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Memorial KPJ Specialized Hospital in Savar for further tests.

Renowned cardiologist Dr Moniruzzaman Maruf performed a successful emergency procedure, stabilizing Tamim’s condition.

Tamim regained consciousness by the afternoon and was able to speak with his family, but doctors have kept him under intensive care, closely monitoring his progress over the next 48 hours.

Later in the evening, Shakib Al Hasan took to social media to express his concern and affection for his friend and former teammate, making it clear that his birthday was far from a happy occasion.

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“Today is a special day for me, but I can’t fully rejoice because my dear friend and teammate Tamim Iqbal is unwell,” said Shakib.

“We have fought many battles together on the field and created countless memories. I always hope our journey together continues for many more years.

“Tamim, you are one of the biggest strengths of Bangladesh cricket. I pray for your swift recovery and return to the field. InshaAllah, you will be back with us very soon.”

Shakib also made a heartfelt request to fans, urging them to pray for Tamim’s health.

“Your prayers for Tamim will be the best birthday gift for me. Please keep my brother in your thoughts so that he can recover quickly and return to the game,” he added.

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Shakib Al Hasan breaks silence on ODI omission after bowling action ban

Bangladesh veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan expressed disappointment over his omission from the ODI squad for the Champions Trophy, citing communication issues with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Shakib’s troubles began in September 2024, when his bowling action was reported during a County Championship match for Surrey against Somerset.

Following an independent evaluation, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) deemed his action illegal, leading to his suspension.

Determined to make a comeback, Shakib Al Hasan underwent two reassessments—first in England and then in India—but failed both attempts before finally clearing the test in his latest effort.

While speaking to Cricbuzz, Shakib stated that BCB could have handled the matter in a better way.

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“Look, I don’t have any complaints, but if the communication was better in that case, I would have been happier,” Shakib said.

The all-rounder had requested the assistance of his childhood mentor, Mohammad Salahuddin, before appearing for the bowling test that he failed earlier but BCB denied his requests, resulting in non-availability for the multi-nation tournament.

Moreover, Sirajullah Khadem, Shakib’s childhood friend and his Under-19 team-mate, worked closely with him to correct his actions throughout this troubling time in England.

Khadem stated that Shakib’s action was reported due to a lot of bowling in that match.

“I believe he was reported because he bowled a lot in that match. When you push yourself too hard, especially when fatigued, minor changes in your action can occur, leading to problems,” he explained.

He further backed the 37-year-old to do well and regain his bowling form.

“He is looking sharp now and seems to have regained all his tricks,” he added.

READ: Pakistan set unwanted record against New Zealand in fourth T20I

Shakib Al Hasan cleared of suspect bowling action after reassessment

Bangladesh’s veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has finally been cleared of his suspect bowling action after months of uncertainty, marking the end of a frustrating chapter in his career.

The 37-year-old, who had previously failed two reassessments, has now successfully rectified his action, receiving clearance in his latest test.

This development comes as a massive relief for Shakib, whose suspension from bowling cost him a place in Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy squad, with selectors unwilling to pick him solely as a specialist batter.

The ICC event had been seen as a potential farewell tournament for the former captain, but his bowling suspension ruled him out of contention.

Speaking to a local sports platform, Shakib Al Hasan confirmed the news with evident joy, sharing that he cleared his bowling action test in England.

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“The news is right (about passing the bowling test), and I am cleared to bowl again,” he said.

Shakib’s troubles began in September 2024, when his bowling action was reported during a County Championship match for Surrey against Somerset.

Following an independent evaluation, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) deemed his action illegal, leading to his suspension.

Determined to make a comeback, Shakib underwent two reassessments—first in England and then in India—but failed both attempts before finally clearing the test in his latest effort.

READ: Abdullah Shafique eyes strong comeback in ODI series against New Zealand

Shakib Al Hasan banned from bowling in ECB competitions

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in all competitions organised by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) following an independent assessment of his bowling action.

Shakib’s action was reported by the standing umpires while he was playing for Surrey in the County Championship match against Somerset in September.

Shakib completed an independent assessment at Loughborough University earlier this month, which found that the elbow extension in his bowling action exceeded the 15-degree threshold as defined in the Regulations.

The suspension is officially dated from December 10, the date when the ECB received the results of the assessment from Loughborough University.

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This action follows the established protocol outlined in the ECB’s Regulations for the Review of Bowlers Reported with a Suspected Illegal Bowling Action.

In order to lift this suspension, Shakib Al Hasan must successfully undergo an independent reassessment of his bowling action.

Specifically, during this evaluation, the degree of elbow extension in his bowling must be measured and found to be below the 15-degree threshold stipulated in the regulations.

Notably, Shakib showcased his skills by claiming an impressive nine wickets during the aforementioned match for Surrey. This match marked his return to county cricket after a long hiatus since the 2010-11 season.

READ: Babar Azam breaks Chris Gayle’s all-time T20 record

Uncapped spinner replaces Shakib in Bangladesh Test squad

Bangladesh called up uncapped spinner Hasan Murad on Friday to replace retiring Shakib Al Hasan ahead of the first Test against South Africa after security fears led the ex-skipper to cancel plans to return home.

Shakib announced his retirement from international cricket last month but said that he wanted to play one last red-ball series at home.

But the 37-year-old is also an ex-lawmaker in a government ousted by a revolution, and his links to Bangladesh’s autocratic former premier has made him a target of public anger.

Shakib cancelled plans to return home on Thursday for the first time since the August uprising, saying the decision was made as “a matter of my own security”.

Left-arm spinner Murad, 23, was named in the squad instead for the first match of a two-Test series starting in Dhaka on Monday.

“We have been informed that Shakib is unavailable for the first Test,” Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selection panel chair Gazi Ashraf Hossain said in a statement.

“He is at the end of his Test career but along with his experience, we still do not have someone of that calibre with both bat and the ball to replace him,” he added.

“However, Hasan Murad has performed consistently in first-class cricket… We believe he has the potential to deliver at this level.”

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Hasan Murad has taken 136 first-class wickets from 30 matches since his 2021 debut.

Shakib is a former lawmaker from the party of autocratic ex-leader Sheikh Hasina, who fled by helicopter to India in August.

He is among dozens from Hasina’s party facing murder investigations for a deadly police crackdown on protesters during the uprising.

Asif Mahmud, who heads the sports ministry, said he had advised the cricket board to discourage Shakib from returning because of public anger.

Shakib Al Hasan apologised in a Facebook post earlier this month for remaining silent during the revolution.

Bangladesh squad for South Africa Tests: 

Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Zaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad.

READ: Virat Kohli becomes slowest Indian batter to score 9000 Test runs

Shakib Al Hasan apologises for silence during Bangladesh protests

Retiring Bangladesh cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has apologised for remaining silent during a student-led revolution but defended his contentious decision to serve the autocratic regime it toppled.

Shakib, 37, is among dozens of figures from ousted premier Sheikh Hasina’s party facing murder investigations for a deadly police crackdown on protesters during the summer uprising.

The former captain had been elected as a lawmaker earlier this year and served until parliament was dissolved after Hasina’s August resignation and exile to neighbouring India at the peak of the unrest.

In a long note posted on his official Facebook page late Wednesday, Hasan said he was “sincerely apologetic” for not speaking up during the protests.

“I pay my respects to all the students who sacrificed their lives,” the note said.

“While nothing can fill the void of losing a child or a brother, I sincerely apologise to everyone who was hurt by my silence. I too would have been upset if I were in your place.”

More than 700 people were killed in the unrest leading up to Hasina’s ouster, according to Bangladesh’s health ministry.

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Shakib was playing in a domestic Twenty20 cricket competition in Canada when the regime collapsed and has not returned to Bangladesh since.

But he has toured Pakistan and India with the Bangladeshi team with the approval of the interim government established to govern the country after Hasina’s departure.

Shakib’s election to parliament in January came after a poll boycotted by Hasina’s opponents and criticised by observers as unfree and unfair.

He said he had decided to contest the vote because he wanted to “contribute to the development of my hometown”.

“It is difficult to directly play a part in the development of your area in Bangladesh if you don’t have a designated position,” he wrote.

Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement from international cricket last month but said then that he wanted to play one last Test series at home, with South Africa slated to tour later this month.

He said in his Facebook post that he wanted the opportunity to “say goodbye” to all of his fans.

“You all know that I will soon be playing my last match,” he said. “I hope — not just hope but believe — that at my farewell hour, you will all be with me.”

READ: Here’s why Abrar Ahmed did not take the field on day four of Multan Test

Shakib Al Hasan announces international retirement

Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has announced to retire from Test cricket in October after the Dhaka Test against South Africa.

The 37-year-old all-rounder made the announcement while talking to the media ahead of the Kanpur Test against India.

Shakib also bid farewell to the T20I cricket with immediate effect, revealing that he had played his final game in the format during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

It’s worth noting that the Test series against South Africa is not officially confirmed as of now, owing to the security clearance from Cricket South Africa (CSA) considering the political unrest in Bangladesh.

“I am available for the South Africa series but since there’s a lot happening back home, naturally not everything depends on me,” Shakib said.

“I have discussed my plans about Test cricket with the BCB. Especially this series and the home series. I was thinking that it could be my last Test series.”

Shakib Al Hasan also expressed his desire to play his last Test in Mirpur.

“I have told [BCB president] Faruque [Ahmed] bhai and the selectors. If there’s a chance and if I can play, my last Test will be in Mirpur,” he added.

The star all-rounder also shared that the decision to step away from the game is not an emotional one, he rather thinks that it is the right time to move on to the next chapter of his life.

“I am not hurt or disappointed. I think it is the right time to move on and create a place for the new players,” Shakib said.

“It is the best chance to take a look at new players. It will be a good move to build the team towards the 2026 T20 World Cup. We have taken this as a collective decision.

“I am happy with the decision. I don’t have any regrets in my life. I have enjoyed my cricket career. I think it is the right time for me and Bangladesh cricket.”

READ: Pakistan head coach opens up on Sarfaraz Ahmed’s future

Two Pakistan players named in Shakib Al Hasan’s all-time ODI XI

Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has recently unveiled his all-time ODI XI, featuring two players from Pakistan.

In his all-time ODI XI, Shakib has selected the legendary former Indian captain, MS Dhoni, to lead the team as captain and also take on the role of wicketkeeper.

Dhoni had a decorated career, during which he led India to the ICC T20 World Cup 2007, ICC ODI World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013 titles.

Shakib Al Hasan picked another Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar as the opening batter alongside Pakistan’s swashbuckling batter Saeed Anwar.

The lineup further features explosive West Indies batter Chris Gayle, followed by current Indian batter Virat Kohli at number four.

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Jacques Kallis, the iconic all-rounder from South Africa, was selected at number five in the lineup, bringing a valuable combination of batting expertise and formidable pace bowling skills.

Dhoni will take the number six position while Shakib himself will serve as the spin-bowling all-rounder at number seven.

The Bangladesh all-rounder selected a robust bowling attack, featuring two legendary pacers and two of the greatest spinners to play the game.

Pakistan’s Wasim Akram and Australia’s Glenn McGrath will take the new-ball responsibility while Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne will add the spin wizardry to the team.

All-time ODI XI of Shakib Al Hasan: Sachin Tendulkar, Saeed Anwar, Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, Jacques Kallis, MS Dhoni (c)(wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath

READ: Rashid Latif disappointed over decreasing pace of Pakistan bowlers

Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan reprimanded by ICC

RAWALPINDI: Bangladesh’s veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan on Monday, was reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their Code of Conduct breach in the first Test against Pakistan.

According to the apex cricketing body, Shakib was found to have breached Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other third person in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an International Match.”

Furthermore, one demerit point has been added to Shakib Al Hasan’s disciplinary record. The breach, however, was the all-rounder’s first in a 24-month period.

The incident occurred in the 33rd over of Pakistan’s second innings when Shakib Al Hasan threw a ball towards Mohammad Rizwan in frustration.

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The wicketkeeper batter was assessing the field placement before taking his guard, Shakib, however, marched to bowl but after realizing Rizwan was not ready, he threw the ball in an inappropriate manner.

On-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Adrian Holdstock, third umpire Michael Gough and fourth umpire Rashid Riaz levelled the charges on Shakib Al Hasan, who admitted the offence and the sanction proposed thus eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

Earlier, the ICC also penalized Pakistan and Bangladesh for maintaining a slow over-rate in the first Test, which concluded in Rawalpindi on Sunday.

“Pakistan have been fined 30 per cent of their match fee and penalised six ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points while Bangladesh have been fined 15 per cent of their match fee and penalised three WTC points for maintaining slow over-rates in the first Test in Rawalpindi,” ICC announced in a statement.

READ: Pakistan suffer another setback after Bangladesh loss