In an interview with Sportstar during his visit to India, the former national captain said he remains optimistic about resolving the issues that have kept him away from home.
“I am hopeful that everything will be resolved by the end of the year. For now, I’m just expecting the best. One thing is certain, I have to return to Bangladesh. The only question is how soon that will be possible. I don’t know exactly how it will happen, but I am really optimistic,” Shakib said.
The former Awami League Member of Parliament has been living in the United States since the political change in Bangladesh on August 5, 2024. Since then, he has continued to feature in franchise leagues around the world while remaining unavailable for matches at home.
Following the political transition, Shakib played four Tests for Bangladesh, all away from home.
Although he had expressed his desire to retire on home soil, he was not permitted to return by the interim government, leaving his international future uncertain.
Shakib acknowledged that his return to the national side is not entirely within his control.
Reflecting on his political decision, he also admitted that the timing might not have been ideal. “Looking back, it feels like entering politics after retirement might have been better; that would probably have been the ideal situation,” he added.
