Shakib: 'I know fans will support me in any situation'

Shakib Al Hasan has been living outside the country for over two years due to political reasons. Although his return to the national team has been discussed occasionally, nothing has materialized. In an exclusive interview with the Indian media outlet RevSports, the world-class all-rounder opened up about Bangladesh cricket and his future plans while playing for Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in Sri Lanka.

Q: Do you and your family miss Bangladesh? Is there any possibility of returning to the country in the near future?

Shakib Al Hasan: Yes, of course. We all miss Bangladesh. I am very optimistic and positive about returning to the country, and I believe it will be possible very soon.

Q: Is the rise of pace bowlers in Bangladesh cricket a great positive development?

Shakib Al Hasan: I think it's a tremendous opportunity for our cricket because the pacers are doing very well. However, we cannot fall behind in other departments like batting and spin bowling—they are equally important. While it's true that the pacers are performing well, if our batsmen and spinners can also improve their game, the team will get stronger.

Q: How big a blow is Nahid Rana's absence for the Bangladesh team?

Shakib Al Hasan: This is probably the biggest setback for Bangladesh in this Test series. Even the Australians were looking forward to facing Nahid on their home soil—they would have taken on that challenge with enjoyment. So his absence is a huge loss for Bangladesh. 

Q: How do you see the opportunity to play a Test at Lord's after 17 years?

Shakib Al Hasan: The more we get to play at venues like Lord's, the better it is for our cricket. I hope we will get more such opportunities in the future.

Q: You've had a great experience with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL. Do you miss the tournament?

Shakib Al Hasan: I definitely miss not being in the IPL. But everything has its time. If I'm not mistaken, I played eight seasons. Due to personal reasons and NOC issues, I could have played maybe two more seasons, which would have taken it to nearly 10 seasons. Very few players get the chance to play 8 to 10 seasons in the IPL, so I am very happy with what I have achieved. Whenever I get the chance, I still watch the matches.
Q: What are your thoughts on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of the upcoming India tour?

Shakib Al Hasan: They are ambassadors of Indian cricket. People follow them because of their achievements. They have made tremendous contributions to Indian cricket and are still performing well, especially in ODI cricket. If both of them play in the 2027 World Cup, India will have a very good chance of winning.

Q: What do you have to say to those who question Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's abilities based on age? Should performance be the only criterion?

Shakib Al Hasan: That is what I believe. Performance should be the only criterion (to evaluate a player's performance).

Q: Do you miss playing for the Bangladesh team? You also expressed a desire to play a farewell match in the country.

Shakib Al Hasan: I don't miss playing for Bangladesh that much because I played for many years. When you represent your country for such a long time, those memories will stay with you even at age 60. However, that doesn't mean you can keep playing forever. I had a long career, so I don't miss playing that much. Still, it would have been nice to play a little longer.

Q: How has your experience been in the Lanka Premier League (LPL)?

: To be honest, Sri Lanka is a fantastic place to play cricket because everyone here loves the game. That's why it's a great place to enjoy cricket. I am very happy to be part of Jaffna Kings. So far, we are doing well and the tournament is progressing nicely. Returning after a two-year break has caused a few minor issues, but if the momentum continues, it will grow further. With only five teams, the competition here is also extremely intense.

Q: What is your message for the Bangladeshi fans who love and respect you?

Shakib Al Hasan: I know that they will continue to support me in any situation.