- June 20, 2025
If you grew up watching the brilliant exploits of Shakib Al Hasan with the bat or ball, it could hurt just a bit. The Bangladeshi great – one of the greatest all-rounders of all-time – is back in the headlines, yet not for another match-winning performance or 5-wicket haul. No, it’s all the bad reasons. A Dhaka court has just placed a travel ban on Shakib and 15 others in a Tk 8.97 crore (around $1m) corruption case.
So what happened? And, what does this imply for his cricketing career and legacy? Let’s unpack.
From All-Rounder to Allegations: The Stock Market Saga
This isn’t merely about a cricket star in trouble—it’s about a serious legal quagmire for Shakib. The Anti-Corruption Commission claims that he and others broke the law when investing Tk 8.97 crore and Tk 4.48 crore in stock markets via illicit means. Such actions allegedly violated Section 25 of the Microcredit Act and the BSEC laws, spelling big legal trouble for the all-rounder.
The ACC submitted 2 petitions, and subsequently, the court asked Shakib not to leave the country. Why? When there’s this much money on the line, and you are a public figure with influence and freedom of movement, investigators aren’t going to gamble.
Shakib has had his share of controversy (i.e., bans and outbursts), but this is different. This is not related to cricket, and the penalty can quite possibly be far worse than fines and suspensions. Jail time, a tarnished reputation, and all hopes of a fairy tale send-off in a Bangladesh jersey will be gone.
Cricket Career on Pause… or End?
Shakib has not played for Bangladesh since October 2024 during the Test series against India in Kanpur, but he did make a nondescript return to the PSL 2025 following a six-month hiatus. It was a poor return, with only one wicket, two ducks, and a few cameos of limited impact. Certainly not the comeback he fans were hoping for.
To complicate things, political turmoil back home (started by the collapse of the Awami League government) has sidelined plans for a final home Test against South Africa, and now, with this corruption trial looming over him, any thoughts of a comeback appear to be receding by the minute.
He’s played 71 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is and is the greatest Bangladeshi cricketer of all time, but even legends should not be allowed to walk off into the sunset when a legal storm is afoot. Underwhelming, not playing any role in the 2025 Champions Trophy, in which Bangladesh was mistakenly seen as good enough to have a go at. The court injunction might confirm that!
Politics Pads Up: How Cricket’s Golden Boy Got Caught Off Guard
Shakib’s is a cricketer, and he’s a politician. In Bangladesh (or South Asia for that matter), when you add politics to the mix, it always adds controversy. The court ruling is interesting, but warrants consideration with nevertheless a political background involving elections and political change.
Is it based on actual wrongdoing or merely a politically motivated attack? Who knows. But once you enter the political realm, there is nowhere to hide, especially given the stature and profile of Shakib. Everything in politics is scrutinized, and it’s never kind. Everything you do wrong is magnified.
Here’s a serious reminder: fame does not guarantee protection. No matter how many sixes you have hit or how many stumps you have broken, off-the-field integrity is just as important as on-the-field performance.
What do you think – can Shakib redeem his reputation, or has the final bow been taken on one of cricket’s more complicated careers? Let us know in the comments.
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