Shakib Al Hasan is no longer playing Test or T20 cricket, but he is still playing ODIs.  Many people thought that the experienced all-rounder's international career would end quietly after the 2023 World Cup. However, Shakib has now stated that he still wants to play for Bangladesh for another year or two, as long as certain conditions are met.

In an honest conversation with The Daily Sun, the former Bangladesh captain talked about his desire to play for his country again. He also said that he would need help from the top of the government and assurances that he would be safe if he did return to international cricket.

Shakib said, “I realized it was over when I saw that I couldn’t play with so much pressure on me. It’s not that I don’t want to play for my country—I still want to play for Bangladesh, and that desire will always remain.”

He also said that he has been working hard to get back into the game and has talked to important people like the president of the BCB, sports advisors, and top government officials. “I was an MP, but now I’m not anymore, and I’m not holding any political position in any party. If something I did for 18 to 20 years is now being stopped, doesn’t that seem outrageous?”

“I still want to end my career on a high, by retiring from playing for Bangladesh. If there’s an opportunity, I would love to plan whether I’ll play one series, two series, or even for another year. My greatest wish is to play for my country and I am ready to give my all for that purpose. That’s the dream I’ve worked for, and I’m doing everything I can to fulfill it—talking to sports advisors, chief advisors, and the BCB president.”

He also referred to a pending legal case, calling it unjustified, “I’m willing to come back if my security is assured. I was very saddened when the murder case was filed against me, and later I found out that the person who filed the case didn’t even know how my name ended up in it. I wonder just how far some people can go. I’ve got proof that I was naïve, thinking the world was straightforward and simple, but I realised how complicated and critical it can be.”

Reflecting on a photo controversy during his time abroad, Shakib admitted he should’ve been more careful. “To be honest, I was away from the country for quite some time, first in the USA playing in the MLC, then in Canada. The picture was taken in Canada. I didn’t post it myself. Still, I take responsibility. It was a pre-planned family outing. In hindsight, yes, as a public figure I should’ve been more aware. I accept that. But my focus has always been cricket—before and after I became an MP. I was never asked to get involved in politics. I was always told, “Just play cricket.” So that’s what I focused on.”