Shakib Al Hasan to Lead Bangladesh Tigers in Asian Legends League

Former world number one all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been appointed captain of the Bangladesh Tigers for the second edition of the Asian Legends League, marking his return to a leadership role on the international franchise circuit.

The appointment of the veteran cricketer, who has been away from the Bangladesh national squad for nearly two years, has generated significant excitement among sports enthusiasts. The tournament is scheduled to take place at the Lusaka Sports Ground in India, bringing together prominent retired and former international stars from across the continent.

Former national all-rounder Alok Kapali—remembered for taking Bangladesh’s first-ever Test hat-trick—has been named vice-captain of the 16-member squad. The roster features a blend of recognizable national team alumni, including wicketkeeper Dhiman Ghosh, explosive opening batsman Mehedi Maruf, and pace bowlers Shafiul Islam and Abul Hasan Raju.

The six-team tournament features a competitive lineup comprising defending champions Asian Stars, Indian Royals, Pakistan Panthers, Afghanistan Pathans, Sri Lankan Lions, and Bangladesh Tigers. High-profile names representing rival sides include Shikhar Dhawan, Dinesh Karthik, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina for India; Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, and Thisara Perera for Sri Lanka; and Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, and Umar Akmal for Pakistan.

Although Shakib has not represented Bangladesh in official international fixtures since late 2024 due to political developments and safety considerations, he has maintained active match fitness across global franchise events. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has continued granting him clearance certificates to participate in overseas leagues, keeping open the prospect of an eventual national return should conditions permit.

For cricket supporters across the region, seeing the country’s most decorated cricketer don the red and green jersey in a captaincy role offers a nostalgic highlight. Over a career spanning nearly two decades, Shakib has accumulated over 14,000 international runs and taken upwards of 700 wickets across all formats, establishing himself as one of the most successful all-rounders in modern cricket history.

The 16-member Bangladesh Tigers squad for the tournament comprises:

• Shakib Al Hasan (Captain)

• Alok Kapali (Vice-Captain)

• Nazmus Sadat

• Dhiman Ghosh (Wicketkeeper)

• Mehedi Maruf

• Abul Hasan Raju

• Shafiul Islam

• Mukhtar Ali

• Tapash Ghosh

• Nazmul Hossain Milon

• Uttam Kumar Ghosh

• Saqlain Sajib

• Farhad Hossain

• Emon Ahmed

• Al Mamun Russell

• Sadekur Rahman