SPORTS REPORTER

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief selector Habibul Bashar Sumon said veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan remains in contention for national selection, but only if key conditions are met.

“The board has unanimously agreed that based on Shakib’s availability, fitness and accessibility, and his ability to be present at match venues, we will certainly consider him for future selection,” Bashar told reporters in Mirpur yesterday.

“He is currently in a place where cricket isn’t played regularly, so while fitness can be maintained, competitive match practice is limited,” he added.

In a recent interview with The Daily Star, Shakib said his motivation to play at the highest level remains strong and that he wants to return home to play before eventually moving back into politics.

Since the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, Shakib -- who served as a Member of Parliament for that administration -- has been unable to return to Bangladesh, although he went on to feature in four away Tests. A home farewell series against South Africa in October 2024 did not materialise due to a lack of government clearance.

Despite the uncertainty and long absence, Bashar indicated the selectors are willing to plan long-term around the 39-year-old if conditions align.

“If everything is in order, we want him for a long period,” he said.