- May 24, 2025
If you are a supporter of Shakib Al Hasan (or even just a casual cricket follower), you have likely seen some sparks fly in the Pakistan Super League this season. After months in hibernation, Shakib is back – and although it was not with fireworks, he re-entered with something a little more eyebrow-raising and hopeful. The ever-venerable, ever-in-form Bangladeshi all-rounder is back (average age 26) in the cricketing narrative through the PSL 202,5 and it’s all the makings of a sports documentary on Netflix – highs and lows, resurrection, and voracity.
At 37, Shakib has not only returned to find his form. He is writing a new story, one franchise league at a time.
Bouncing Back After the Breakdown
To put it bluntly, 2023 was a challenging year for Shakib. With bowling bans, fitness issues, and outside distractions (political issues included) to consider, fans did not see him on a cricket pitch in any capacity for over six months. He even failed twice to rectify his bowling action. For a player who has built his game on timing and balance, both batting and bowling, the past twelve months have been a bumpy ride!
His comeback in PSL 2025 wasn’t exactly a fairytale either. His first game for Lahore Qalandars? A modest contribution—no wickets and no fireworks with the bat. But like an established professional, Shakib did not complain. He adjusted, and in the high-pressure Eliminator match, he came through: a big wicket, and a composed over when it counted. That’s Shakib at his best—taking doubts and igniting belief.
All Eyes on Franchise Cricket—For Now
Here is where it gets spicy. Shakib isn’t just playing for money — he is playing to transform himself. Although not in Bangladesh’s T20I squad for the series against Pakistan, the indications were clear: it is league cricket for the time being.
Can you fault him?
The leagues, such as the PSL, give tight rounds of competitive opportunities while allowing Shakib to remain visible. This may be Shakib’s best play yet. “I do not know what will happen in the next four to five months,” he said. “I have contracts signed. I will be playing leagues.” That is what sounds like someone who wants to keep his options open — but is also someone who is simply living in the global T20 ecosystem, without a care in the world.
The PSL, in particular, appears to be a safe place for Shakib. He has played here before and gushed about how the league has grown in the last decade. This time, he shares the dressing room with Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and fellow Bangladeshis Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain and seems exceptionally relaxed. The chemistry and the banter? He said it was “very wonderful.”
What’s Next for the Tiger King?
So, where does this lead? Is this the end of an outstanding career—or simply another chapter in the story?
While he hasn’t (yet) returned to the national team, Shakib is playing at the peak of T20 leagues and remains in the consideration set. Therefore, don’t be shocked if he receives a call for the T20 World Cup later this year (given that form and fitness provide suitable conditions).
And even if that doesn’t materialize, Shakib’s legacy will be preserved. But more importantly, he is educating the younger generation about how to adapt, survive, and remain relevant in the game. So, the question shouldn’t be whether Shakib is back or not, but how far will he travel from here? The question is: is this the start of Shakib’s dominance in the franchise era, or should Bangladesh pull him back in before that disappears? Let’s talk cricket.
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