“Apu, I’m Going Out to Play, But I’ll Drop Everything and Come Running Whenever You Call.”

In a conversation with Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, former national cricket team captain Shakib Al Hasan said that he will leave the game and come back whenever the leader calls him. The star is ready to respond to the call of time even if he goes to play in the franchise league with permission from the party leader.

The party’s joint general secretary, agriculturist AFM Bahauddin Nasim, gave this information on his Facebook.

According to Bahauddin Nasim, before leaving for a game, Shakib told party chief Sheikh Hasina, ‘I am going to play, but when you call me, I will leave all the games and leagues and come back.’ Nasim mentioned that the courage, determination and belief in Shakib’s speech impressed him.

He further said that Shakib’s bravery and morale will inspire and give courage to every leader and worker of the Awami League. Stating that no one can be kept in suspense, Bahauddin Nasim expressed optimism that Sheikh Hasina’s return to the country in December is certain.

Meanwhile, Shakib Al Hasan, who has been away from international cricket since the country’s political upheaval, is currently busy with franchise cricket. He recently played for ‘Pokhara Avengers’ in the third season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). Apart from the NPL, he has also been playing regularly in foreign franchise tournaments like the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and Major League Cricket (MLC) in recent times.

Shakib was elected as a member of parliament from Magura-1 constituency on the nomination of the Awami League. However, after the change of power on August 5, 2024, the star was unable to return to the country.