In a remarkable turnaround, Shakib Al Hasan wasted no time shifting his attention back to the cricket field, barely 24 hours after securing victory in the national election for his constituency, Magura-1.

The star all-rounder made a surprise appearance at the indoor nets in Mirpur yesterday afternoon, catching media and onlookers off guard. While many national players had already wrapped up their individual sessions, Shakib’s unexpected return kept a group of journalists and fans lingering at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) until sunset.

Surrounded by well-wishers and greeted with flower garlands from the groundsmen, Shakib downplayed his political role within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) premises, emphasizing that the cricket field remained his primary domain.

“This is not politics. This is a cricket field. I am still holding the same old position [as a cricketer],”

he conveyed to the groundsmen.

Clearly eager to resume activities in his familiar cricketing territory, Shakib arrived equipped with a brand-new bat, ready for an indoor net session. His childhood mentor, Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, oversaw his batting practice.

Having been sidelined with a finger injury since the ICC ODI World Cup game against Sri Lanka, Shakib missed the Test series against New Zealand and the subsequent tour of New Zealand. In a recent interview, he confirmed his return to action with the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League, scheduled to kick off on January 19.

Despite his political engagement in Magura, Shakib maintained some physical activity, preparing for his cricket comeback. Yesterday marked his return to batting with cricket balls in the nets. Fahim reported,

“Yeah, no complaints regarding his finger while he was batting. I haven’t seen him bowl yet, but once he does that, I will be able to tell. His batting looked really good.”

As reporters observed from a distance, the satisfying sound of Shakib’s bat echoed his enjoyment of being back in the cricketing arena after the demands of politics. Fahim addressed potential rustiness, stating,

“Yes, there can be doubts within himself since he doesn’t get this kind of gap [in cricket activities]. So, once he gets into his groove, it becomes okay in no time.”

The current No.1 all-rounder in ICC’s ODI and T20I rankings engaged in training exercises on the SBNCS field, running across the turf and incorporating soft-ball deliveries into his rehabilitation process. A BCB official mentioned,

“There is still some pain in the finger, but it’s not a matter of concern since 70-80 percent of the pain has gone away. With a dedicated focus on strengthening his finger, he should be in good shape ahead of the BPL.”

Tamim fulfilled the Under-19 cricket team’s request for high-quality bats ahead of the Asia Cup. Using his sponsorship ties, he worked with the Bangladesh Cricket Board to secure 15 bats for the players. Tamim personally contacted the board president and CEO, and upon approval, handed over the bats during the team’s practice in Mirpur. The U-19 team, currently training for the World Cup, will head to South Africa on January 7 after the Mirpur camp. They have warm-up matches against Zimbabwe and will kick off the World Cup against India, followed by matches against Ireland and USA.

During today’s opening day of the second Test against New Zealand in Dhaka, Mushfiqur Rahim of Bangladesh became the first player in the country to be out obstructing the field. Tamim Iqbal, a debutant international commentator, remarked that Mushfiqur, having played over 80 Tests, should have known better than to handle the ball. Mushfiqur was on 35 runs when he used his gloves to push away a delivery that had dropped close to his feet, prompting the umpires to review the play for a possible obstructing the field dismissal.

“A cricketer who has played over 80 Tests, should know he can’t do that,” Tamim said in the commentary box.

Before 2017, ‘handling the ball’ was a distinct form of dismissal, but a law change incorporated it under obstructing the field. Mushfiqur Rahim’s recent dismissal marks the ninth instance of a batter being out for obstructing the field, following a law change that includes England’s Sir Len Hutton’s dismissal in 1951. In terms of handling the ball, Mushfiqur is now the eighth batter to be out this way. Tamim Iqbal noted that the habit of handling the ball can sometimes develop during net practice. Seven batters had previously faced handling the ball dismissals, with Michael Vaughan and Steve Waugh being the last ones in 2001.

“Practice habit can make this happen. In the nets, batters often take the ball in hand and return it back to the bowler. Maybe Mushfiqur did it unconsciously and extended his hands. But this obviously can’t be an excuse,” Tamim further said in commentary.