Shakib hopeful of 'returning to Bangladesh by end of year'

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has expressed hope of returning home by the end of this year, while also reflecting that entering politics during his playing career may not have been the ideal decision.

Speaking in an interview with Sportstar, the former national captain said he remains optimistic about a return to Bangladesh despite the uncertainty surrounding his situation.

“I’m hopeful that things will be sorted by the end of the year. For now, I’m just keeping my fingers crossed. One thing is certain -- I will have to return to Bangladesh. The only question is how soon that can happen. But I remain optimistic that I’ll be back by the end of the year. I don’t know exactly how it will happen, but I’m genuinely hopeful,” Shakib said.

A former Member of Parliament of Awami League, Shakib, has been living in the United States since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. Security concerns and legal complications have since kept him away from the country, forcing a prolonged absence from international cricket.

While Shakib continues to feature in franchise leagues around the world, his future with the national team remains uncertain, with the all-rounder admitting that a return to Bangladesh colours is not entirely in his control.

In the same interview, Shakib also looked back on his decision to enter politics, suggesting that the timing could have been better.

“Looking back, maybe it would have been better to enter politics after retirement -- that might have been the ideal scenario,” he said.

However, as he had earlier mentioned in an interview with The Daily Star, Shakib had once again not ruled out a future in politics. The 39-year-old cricketer even indicated that it remains a “potential full-time pursuit” once his playing days are over.