DHAKA: Bangladesh has ruled out the possibility of former star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan returning to international cricket after he participated in a media event alongside ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Shakib joined the event by telephone from New Delhi on Wednesday, where Hasina addressed journalists two years after she was removed from power following a deadly crackdown on student-led protests.

Bangladesh Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque said the government had previously adopted a relatively flexible approach towards Shakib, who served as a lawmaker for Hasina’s former ruling Awami League.

However, Haque said Shakib’s participation in the event had changed the government’s position.

“We had been looking at the matter with considerable flexibility and tolerance. After this, I do not think there is any room to think that way anymore,” Haque said in a statement.

He added that someone who had appeared alongside the former leader would no longer have an opportunity to return to the national cricket setup.

Shakib, 39, is currently in Sri Lanka and is among several individuals facing murder investigations linked to the deadly crackdown on protesters that eventually led to Hasina’s removal.

Considered Bangladesh’s most successful cricketer, Shakib has played more than 400 international matches and represented the country in five World Cups. He announced plans to retire from international cricket in September 2024 but later expressed his desire to play a full series before ending his career.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board had indicated in January that Shakib could potentially return to cricket. However, his participation in the New Delhi event has triggered renewed controversy and appears to have ended hopes of a comeback.