On Monday, Bangladesh’s greatest cricketer, Shakib Al Hasan, turned 38, but his birthday was overshadowed by fresh controversy. A Dhaka court ordered the confiscation of his properties over a cheque dishonour case linked to Agro Farm, a company he owns. The farm had issued two cheques worth Tk 41.5 lakh to IFIC Bank, both of which bounced due to insufficient funds.

For most cricketers, such a scandal would be career-damaging, but for Shakib, whose journey has been as turbulent as it has been illustrious, it is just another chapter in his complex legacy.

Shakib’s cricketing journey began in Magura, a small town in Bangladesh, where he nurtured his dream of making it big. Since his debut in 2006, he has revolutionized Bangladesh cricket, amassing over 14,000 international runs and 650 wickets. His 2019 World Cup performance—606 runs and 11 wickets—remains one of the best all-round showings in tournament history.

However, his recent years have been filled with challenges. A recurring eye condition has limited his game time, while his brief political stint with the Awami League added to the controversy. A 2024 bowling ban imposed by the ECB dented his all-rounder status, though he recently had it lifted.

Adding to his woes, Shakib was left out of the 2025 Champions Trophy squad—what he hoped would be his ODI farewell. His exclusion from recent Bangladesh tours has sparked speculation about whether his career is nearing an end.

Despite setbacks, Shakib has always defied the odds. Whether he returns to cricket, transitions into a mentorship role, or walks away, his impact on Bangladesh cricket remains unparalleled.