Habibul Bashar, the newly appointed head of Bangladesh’s national selection panel, has made it clear that his vision goes beyond short-term decisions, especially when it comes to the future of Shakib Al Hasan.
Speaking after taking charge, Bashar emphasized that he is focused on building a stable and competitive team for the long run rather than making temporary selections for individual series.
Bashar’s Approach: Trusting His Instincts
Bashar stated that he is prepared to face criticism as he steps into this high-pressure role.
He highlighted that decision-making in cricket selection is never perfect, but he intends to rely on his own judgment without being influenced by external pressure, including media opinions or public reactions.
This mindset reflects his previous experience as both a national captain and a long-serving selector within the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Focus on Shakib Al Hasan’s Long-Term Role
One of the key talking points was the potential return of Shakib Al Hasan to the national setup.
Bashar clarified that he is not considering Shakib as a short-term option for upcoming series, such as the tour against New Zealand national cricket team.
Instead, the focus is on ensuring Shakib’s availability over an extended period.
According to Bashar:
- Shakib needs proper preparation before returning
- A rushed comeback would not benefit the team
- Long-term contribution is more valuable than short-term appearances
Eye on the 2027 World Cup
Bashar revealed that the ultimate goal is to have Shakib available for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
With the tournament set to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Bangladesh is planning its squad with a long-term strategy in mind.
He believes Shakib still has around two years of cricket left at the highest level, making him a valuable asset if managed properly.
Experience Still Matters
Bashar also addressed discussions around senior players and retirement, including Mushfiqur Rahim.
He stressed that experienced players continue to play a crucial role in the team:
- They provide stability
- Help guide younger players
- Strengthen overall team performance
His stance is clear — as long as senior players can contribute, they remain important to the squad.
Bangladesh’s Immediate Priority
Apart from individual players, Bashar outlined the team’s primary objective: direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Currently, Bangladesh is outside the top eight in ODI rankings, meaning they must improve consistency to secure automatic qualification.
Under the leadership of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the team will aim to:
- Deliver consistent performances
- Win more bilateral series
- Build a stronger squad depth
Expanding the Player Pool
Bashar also highlighted the importance of developing a larger group of players.
With a packed international schedule ahead, Bangladesh plans to:
- Work with a wider pool beyond the core 14–15 players
- Gradually introduce new talent
- Ensure backups are ready without weakening the main team
He made it clear that experimentation will not come at the cost of results.
Analysis: Is a Long-Term Plan for Shakib the Right Move?
Focusing on Shakib Al Hasan as a long-term option appears to be a strategic decision.
Shakib’s experience, all-round ability, and match-winning potential make him one of Bangladesh’s most valuable players, even at this stage of his career.
However, this approach depends on:
- His fitness and workload management
- Availability across formats
- Ability to maintain performance levels
If managed correctly, Shakib could play a crucial role in Bangladesh’s World Cup campaign.
What This Means for Bangladesh Cricket
Bashar’s statements indicate a shift towards long-term planning and stability.
Rather than making reactive decisions, the selection panel is looking to:
- Build continuity in the squad
- Balance youth and experience
- Prepare early for major tournaments
This approach could help Bangladesh become more competitive on the global stage.
Final Verdict
Habibul Bashar’s vision reflects a clear and structured plan for Bangladesh cricket.
By focusing on long-term contributions from players like Shakib Al Hasan while also developing new talent, the team aims to create a balanced and competitive squad for the future.
If executed effectively, this strategy could significantly improve Bangladesh’s chances heading into the 2027 World Cup.