'If you don’t want Shakib in the team, you’re living in a fool’s paradise’: Salahuddin

Bangladesh senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin believes star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is still very much needed in the national setup.  

Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference of the Odommo Bangladesh T20 Tournament at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday, Dhumketu XI coach Salahuddin responded strongly in favour of having Shakib in the team.  

“Look, if anyone says they don’t want Shakib in the team, then I think they’re living in a fool’s paradise,” Salahuddin said. 

Salahuddin explained the reasoning behind his stance, highlighting Shakib’s value as a genuine all-rounder. “The biggest thing is balance. With Shakib in the team, you get balance. You get both a bowler and a batter. At the end of the day, how fit Shakib is will be a big factor but everyone would want a player like him,” he added.

Shakib has been absent from the national team for nearly a year and a half, with franchise leagues around the world becoming his primary cricketing destination. Recently, however, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced that the veteran all-rounder could be considered for a return to the national side, provided his form and fitness meet the selectors’ requirements.

BCB officials have also indicated that, if Shakib is able to return to the country, the board would like him to feature in the T20I series against Pakistan in March. However, Shakib’s return to Bangladesh faces significant hurdles due to his political identity.

Shakib was a member of parliament from the Awami League, which was ousted during the July uprising. Following the change in government, murder and corruption cases have been filed against him. 

The BCB has been in contact with the government in an effort to ease Shakib’s return and clear the way for him to represent the country again. The board has also stated that Shakib is keen to play for Bangladesh.

When asked whether he had discussed the matter with Shakib personally, Salahuddin chose not to elaborate. “You can’t say everything,” he said.