Shakib Al Hasan is set to join the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons for the 2025 CPL, starting August 14.
He joins the team as a direct overseas signing. This marks his sixth appearance in the tournament.
The Bangladesh all-rounder has been out of international cricket for months. He missed national selection due to medical issues, including an eye problem and adjustments to his bowling action.
He returned earlier this year in the Pakistan Super League. The comeback didn’t go well.
In three matches, he got two batting chances but failed to score. With the ball, he managed only one wicket and was expensive in two outings.
Still, franchise teams haven’t looked away.
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The Falcons picked him in a five-man overseas group. The others include Pakistan’s Imad Wasim, Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq and Allah Ghazanfar, and South Africa’s Brevan Jacobs.
Their local squad includes names like Obed McCoy, Rahkeem Cornwall, and Jayden Seales. But none have the same global draw as Shakib.
CPL’s announcement mentioned history
On their official Facebook page, league organizers recalled Shakib’s famous 6 for 6 spell in the 2013 season. That remains one of the best bowling figures in CPL history.
Shakib has played for three different CPL teams over the years. He last played in 2022, with 741 runs and 37 wickets across five CPL seasons.
He says he’s eager to return.
Franchise cricket has continued to welcome him even as national selection remains uncertain due to politics and injury.
His signing shows one thing: in the franchise world, Shakib’s value still holds.
Whether he can deliver another historic spell or not, the stage is his—again.
