Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan is set to embark on a new journey as he throws his hat into the political ring, confirming his nomination for the country’s 12th parliamentary elections. This unexpected move comes amidst his recovery from a finger injury sustained during a World Cup match.
Shakib received confirmation of his nomination from the ruling Awami League and will be contesting from the Magura-1 constituency, his home district. The upcoming polls, scheduled for January 7, mark a significant shift in the cricketer’s career, signalling his entry into the realm of politics.
Currently recovering from a finger injury sustained on November 6 during a World Cup match against Sri Lanka, Shakib’s return to the cricket field remains uncertain. The timing of his political debut raises questions about the balance between his cricketing commitments and the demands of a political campaign.
With two home Tests against New Zealand from November 28 to December 10, followed by a tour to New Zealand from December 11 to 31 for six white-ball matches, Shakib faces a challenging schedule. His declaration before the World Cup to step down as the ODI captain adds a layer of complexity to his dual roles.
Although Shakib remains the T20I leader, the uncertainty looms over whether he will travel to New Zealand for the three T20Is from December 27 to 31. As teams gear up for the next T20 World Cup in June 2024, the focus on T20 plans intensifies, creating a strategic dilemma for the Bangladesh cricket stalwart.
Shakib follows in the footsteps of Mashrafe Mortaza, the former Bangladesh captain who ventured into politics and became a Member of Parliament during the previous elections from Narail. The nomination for this year reaffirms Mashrafe’s political journey, setting a precedent for cricketers to actively engage in public life.
The crossover between cricket and politics is gaining prominence in Bangladesh. Beyond Shakib and Mashrafe, Nazmul Hassan, the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), has been an MP since 2009. His continued involvement in both realms reflects the increasing synergy between the cricketing landscape and political corridors.
Shafiul Alam Chowdhury, a BCB director, also secured a nomination for the Moulvibazar seat, further blurring the lines between cricket administration and political participation. However, not every cricketer-turned-politician has tasted success, as seen in the case of former Bangladesh captain Naimur Rahman, who failed to secure the Manikganj seat.
On the global stage, active players entering politics remain rare. Shakib and Mashrafe’s political endeavours stand out, reminiscent of Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya, who ran for public office in the 2010 general elections.
