Sports minister Aminul Haque says government will remain “tolerant and flexible” as it seeks swift resolution to legal cases involving former Bangladesh captains

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Bangladesh’s newly appointed sports minister Aminul Haque has announced that the government will fast-track legal procedures involving former national cricket captains Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza, aiming to clear the way for their return to Bangladesh cricket.

Haque, a former Bangladesh football captain, is among the 49 ministers inducted after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured victory in the February 12 general elections. Speaking about the cases filed against Shakib and Mashrafe following the fall of the Awami League government in 2024, Haque emphasized that the administration would take a supportive approach.

“The government will deal with the matter concerning Shakib and Mashrafe. We will remain tolerant and flexible on them,” Haque said. “We want Shakib to return to Bangladesh. We hope the issues will be resolved swiftly so they can come back and contribute to Bangladesh cricket.”

Shakib Al Hasan Eyes International Return

Shakib Al Hasan, who has been based in the United States since May 2024, has not represented Bangladesh since October 2024. However, the veteran all-rounder has continued to feature in global franchise T20 leagues, including the Pakistan Super League and the Caribbean Premier League.

In a recent interview on the Beard Before Wicket podcast, Shakib revealed that he has reversed his decision to retire from international cricket. He expressed his desire to return home and retire after playing a complete international series across formats.

“I am officially not retired from all formats,” Shakib said. “My plan is to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series of ODI, Test, and T20, and retire. I want to finish my career properly by playing a whole series.”

The government’s move to accelerate legal proceedings could significantly impact Shakib’s chances of making that farewell appearance in national colours.

Mashrafe Mortaza’s Uncertain Future

Mashrafe Mortaza, who last played international cricket in 2020, had continued his domestic career in the Dhaka Premier League in 2024. However, since August 2024, he has largely remained out of the public spotlight.

A former Member of Parliament from the Awami League, Mashrafe was serving his second term when the government was overthrown during the student-led revolution in August 2024. The new administration’s stance suggests a possible pathway for his return to active involvement in cricket, either on or off the field.

Questions Over BCB Elections

Addressing broader cricket governance issues, Haque also revisited concerns surrounding the recent elections of the Bangladesh Cricket Board. He described the process as “questionable,” echoing earlier criticism.

The minister had reportedly supported a reform-oriented alliance led by Tamim Iqbal, which withdrew from the election citing allegations of corruption and unfair practices.

“I have said it before and I will say it again: it was a questionable election of the BCB,” Haque stated. “But now that I am in a responsible position, I will sit down with them and discuss how we can move forward in a better way.”

What This Means for Bangladesh Cricket

The government’s commitment to resolving the legal cases of Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza could mark a significant turning point for Bangladesh cricket. With two of the country’s most iconic cricketers potentially returning to the fold, the coming months may reshape the national team’s leadership, experience, and public image.

As developments unfold, fans will be watching closely to see whether Bangladesh’s new administration can successfully clear the path for its former captains to make a meaningful comeback.