A Warrior’s Return: Shakib Al Hasan Back on the Field After Six-Month Hiatus

After a long six-month break, marked by off-field complications, personal challenges, and uncertainty about his future, Shakib Al Hasan has returned to the cricket field. His comeback came during the ongoing season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL)—and it’s more than just another match played; it's the story of a fighter’s return.

Though he couldn’t make much impact in his first match, Shakib showed glimpses of his old self in the second. With controlled bowling and a crucial wicket, he seemed to declare, "I’m still here."

But the journey back was anything but easy. Shakib had to endure a ban due to issues with his bowling action, failed two consecutive tests, and was forced to stay away from his country due to political turbulence. Questions even arose about his place in the national team.

In this context, returning to the field was a blend of relief and excitement for him. Speaking to Pakistan’s Geo News, Shakib shared his thoughts:
"When you return to cricket after a long time, there’s definitely excitement. At the same time, you have to see how your body responds. Playing after a long gap feels a bit different, but it’s been good for me. The matches for Lahore Qalandars will definitely help me."

Shakib has always found the PSL environment to be positive. Recalling his previous experiences, he said,
"I’ve played in the PSL before, and it has always been a good experience. Every time I’ve played here, it’s been enjoyable. The Pakistan Super League has grown significantly over the past 10 years."

Though his comeback may not be groundbreaking in terms of statistics, it clearly reflects confidence, mental resilience, and the courage to overcome a difficult phase. Now, all eyes are on the upcoming PSL matches to see how much of an impact he can make.