Shakib Al Hasan Barred from Leaving Bangladesh Amid Corruption Probe

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A Dhaka court has placed a travel ban on former Awami League lawmaker and celebrated cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, alongside 15 others, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct.

The order was issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Zakir Hossain on Monday after reviewing two petitions submitted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The ACC alleges that Shakib and his associates illegally amassed wealth by investing multiple crores of taka in the stock market through questionable means. According to the commission, the group violated financial laws, including Section 19(1) of Rule 24(3) under the microcredit regulations, by carrying out suspicious transactions totaling Tk 8.97 crore and Tk 4.48 crore respectively.

The petitions were filed by ACC officials Sajjad Hossain (Assistant Director) and Md Rokonuzzaman (Deputy Director), who urged the court to restrict the travel of the accused to prevent any possibility of them leaving the country amid the investigation. Acting on these submissions, the court ruled that Shakib and the 15 other individuals cannot travel outside Bangladesh until further notice.

It remains uncertain how this court directive will impact Shakib's cricketing future. The 38-year-old all-rounder has not represented Bangladesh since October 2024, when he played in a Test series against India. His most recent competitive appearance came in May during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), marking a return after a six-month break.

Shakib's comeback to professional cricket followed clearance from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which had reviewed his bowling action after it was reported in December 2024 during his stint with Surrey. However, the veteran cricketer failed to impress in the PSL, scoring two ducks and managing just one wicket in the competition.

Originally, Shakib had intended to retire from Test cricket in a farewell match against South Africa on home soil. Those plans were shelved due to escalating political unrest in Bangladesh, including the collapse of the Awami League government, in which Shakib served as a sitting member of parliament.

Amid these developments, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has not included him in the plans for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy preparation.

Bangladesh are scheduled to tour Sri Lanka from June 17 to June 29, playing a two-match Test series, followed by three ODIs and three T20Is. Whether Shakib will be considered for selection in future series remains in doubt as the legal proceedings unfold.