Habibul Bashar Wants Shakib Until 2027 World Cup

Dhaka, Bangladesh – The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the formation of a new national team selection panel, appointing former captain Habibul Bashar Sumon as chief selector. The tenure of the new panel has been confirmed to extend until the 2027 ICC Men’s One-Day World Cup, signalling a long-term vision for team building and strategic planning.

One of the most notable subjects for the new panel is Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s all-rounder, who has been largely absent from international cricket in recent years. Speculation regarding his return surfaced during the recently concluded Pakistan series, though he did not feature in the squad. However, with the upcoming New Zealand series, there is growing anticipation of Shakib’s potential reintegration into the national team.

In an interview with a local news outlet, Habibul Bashar was asked whether Shakib would be considered for the New Zealand series. He responded cautiously, noting, “Time will tell. We do not yet know the exact condition Shakib is in. If he returns to the team, it will certainly be after careful preparation.”

Long-Term Plans for Shakib

The chief selector made it clear that his interest in Shakib goes beyond a single series. “We want to think of Shakib for the long term, not just for one series. Ideally, we want him to remain part of the team until the 2027 World Cup,” Habibul Bashar added, signalling a strategic intent to leverage the experienced all-rounder’s skills in Bangladesh’s long-term ODI planning.

Shakib’s inclusion, if confirmed, could have a significant impact on team dynamics, both on and off the field, given his experience and leadership qualities. The BCB is expected to monitor his fitness, form, and readiness closely before finalising squad selections for upcoming series.

Selection Panel Overview

The announcement of the new selection panel, and Habibul Bashar’s explicit support for retaining Shakib long-term, demonstrates Bangladesh Cricket Board’s commitment to balancing experience and youth. Observers suggest that a focused plan incorporating seasoned players like Shakib could help Bangladesh improve consistency in major international tournaments, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup.

As the New Zealand series approaches, cricket fans across Bangladesh will be watching closely to see whether Shakib returns to the international arena and how the new selection panel shapes the team’s strategy for the next World Cup cycle.