After a prolonged silence, Bangladesh’s cricketing legend Shakib Al Hasan is set to take the field once again—this time wearing the colors of Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. With 169 days separating him from his last competitive appearance, his comeback feels less like a routine return and more like the rise of a sleeping warrior.
The legendary all-rounder will likely be seen tonight at 9 PM Bangladesh time, as Lahore Qalandars face off against Peshawar Zalmi in Rawalpindi. The match marks a highly anticipated moment not only for Shakib’s fans but also for cricket lovers across the globe.
🔄 169 Days Later: A Comeback Forged in Fire
Shakib’s last professional match took place on November 30, 2024, in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. What followed was not a time of rest, but a chapter of silent endurance. For nearly six months, the Bangladeshi icon remained away from the limelight—yet never out of the game.
Amid personal and political complications, Shakib relocated to the United States, then moved to the UAE on his own terms, training silently, refining his fitness, and staying match-ready without the backing of a national call-up or team setup. His story during this time is one of sheer grit, discipline, and a burning desire to return to the pitch.
Fate and Form Align in Pakistan Super League
The temporary suspension of the PSL earlier this year due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan inadvertently opened a door of opportunity. With several overseas players unable to return after the league resumed, franchises scrambled to fill gaps.
Enter Shakib.
Lahore Qalandars, needing a seasoned all-rounder with both tactical acumen and international experience, signed him. And just like that, one of the modern greats of cricket stepped into the PSL fray—renewed, rested, and ready.
Upon landing in Islamabad, a visibly energized Shakib said:
“I’m thrilled to be here. PSL is a world-class tournament, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s match. I’m fully prepared to give my best.”
Rebuilding Through Resilience
Shakib’s recent journey hasn’t been without turbulence. Following the political shift in Bangladesh in August 2023, his role as a former Member of Parliament for the ruling party placed him at the center of legal and social controversy. Multiple lawsuits surfaced, and his visibility in the national setup diminished.
Despite expressing a wish to retire from cricket in his homeland, Shakib faced travel and clearance restrictions that prevented his return. His last appearance in a Bangladeshi jersey came in a historic Test match in Kanpur in late October 2024.
This makes his PSL return even more symbolic—a personal resurgence amidst public silence.
A Chapter Nearly Lost: The Bowling Controversy
Adding to his challenges, Shakib encountered scrutiny during his brief stint in English County Cricket, where questions were raised about the legality of his bowling action. He was subjected to rigorous testing and analysis over three rounds, ultimately passing the ICC evaluations.
Although cleared, the episode stalled his professional rhythm. But Shakib’s response, as always, was patient and precise: no drama, just steady work until the opportunity returned. And now, PSL 2025 is that moment of revival.
Strategic Weapon for Lahore Qalandars
The Lahore Qalandars currently sit at a crucial juncture in the PSL standings. With playoffs looming, every game is pivotal—and every experienced hand matters.
Shakib Al Hasan brings more than just numbers; he offers stability, strategy, and star power.
What Shakib Offers:
- Batting: As a flexible middle-order batsman, he can rotate strike under pressure and finish games with flair.
- Bowling: With subtle variations and unmatched control, he can dismantle top orders and contain runs in death overs.
- Leadership: His cricketing intelligence can inspire young players and influence the outcome in crunch moments.
Having previously played in IPL, BPL, CPL, and T20 World Cups, Shakib is no stranger to pressure—he thrives on it.
From Shadows to Spotlight: The Emotional Core
There’s something poetic about Shakib’s re-entry into top-level cricket. He isn’t just returning to a match—he’s returning to relevance, to purpose, to the place where he belongs.
To many fans, this match means more than just statistics. It’s a reminder that even the greatest can fall into quiet corners of history—but the truly legendary ones always find their way back.
Shakib’s story is now more than just cricket. It’s about resilience against odds, endurance beyond expectations, and belief in one’s own timing.
Global Cricket Watches with Curiosity
While Lahore celebrates his inclusion, cricket fans across South Asia and beyond are eager to witness how this phase of his career unfolds. PSL provides a large platform with intense competition and global visibility.
Will this tournament be the renaissance of Shakib Al Hasan’s T20 dominance?
💬 The Talk of the Town: Cricketing Reactions
Many former players, analysts, and fans have expressed excitement at his return:
- Wasim Akram: “Shakib brings balance to any team he plays for. His return will definitely spice up the Qalandars’ campaign.”
- Ian Bishop: “You never write off champions. I’m curious to see how he adapts after the break.”
- Fans on social media: “King is back!”, “Shakib 2.0 loading…”
Clearly, expectations are soaring.
Quick Facts & Highlights
| Category | Information |
| Last Professional Match | Nov 30, 2024 (Abu Dhabi T10) |
| Break Duration | 169 days |
| New Team | Lahore Qalandars |
| Match Tonight | vs Peshawar Zalmi |
| Match Time | 9 PM (BD Time) |
| Venue | Rawalpindi |
| Role | All-Rounder |
| Return Context | Post-political & personal challenges |
| Bowling Action | Cleared after 3 tests |
Final Thoughts
Shakib Al Hasan’s return is not just the story of a match. It’s a saga of silence and strength, uncertainty and focus, pain and persistence. As he walks out tonight in the PSL, the crowd will cheer for more than just a player—they will cheer for a man who chose determination over defeat, and patience over panic.Because legends don’t fade—they wait for the right moment to rise. And tonight, that moment has come.
