Shakib Al Hasan overlooked, Mahmudullah opts out as BCB announce 2025 central contract list

Bangladesh vs West Indies. (Photo Source – Twitter/X)

In a shocking turn of events, legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan failed to find a place in the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) 2025 central contract list. Meanwhile, fellow all-rounder Mahmudullah decided to opt out of the list which was announced on Monday, March 10.

Apart from Shakib, whose last international appearance came against India last year in October, Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Naeem Hasan and Nurul Hasan are the other players who missed out on a contract despite having one last year.

Mahmudullah, who was a part of Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy squad, had requested the BCB not to consider him in the central contract list after February 2025. However, the experienced campaigner was kept in the list by the BCB for two months. The central contracts from BCB have been grouped into 5 categories, with speedster Taskin Ahmed being the only player to get a Grade A+ contract.

Interestingly, skipper Najimul Hossain Shanto was given Grade A. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim, who recently announced his retirement from ODIs after the Champions Trophy, accompany Shanto in the Grade A category.

Also Read: 3 Players who can replace Mushfiqur Rahim in Bangladesh’s ODI squad

Nahid Rana, who has had an impressive start to his international career, could only manage a Grade B contract. Top-order batters Soumya Sarkar and Shadman Islam returned to the BCB central contract list for the first time since 2021 and 2022, respectively. They are placed in Grade C. Nasum Ahmed and Khaled Ahmed are the only two players to get a Grade D contract.

As many as 22 players have got contracts this time around. The Grade A+ will receive a salary of 10 lakh taka. Meanwhile, Grade A will get 8 lakhs, with B and C getting 6 and 4 respectively. Grade D players will get a salary of 2 lakh taka.

Bangladesh had a miserable Champions Trophy 2025 campaign as they lost games against India and New Zealand while the final one versus Pakistan was abandoned due to rain. The Tigers will return to action next month when they take on Zimbabwe in a two-match Test series at home, starting on April 20.

2025 Bangladesh central contracts

Grade A+: Taskin Ahmed
Grade A: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim
Grade B: Mominul Haque, Taijul Islam, Mahmudullah, Mustafizur Rahman, Towhid Hridoy, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
Grade C: Shadman Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Jaker Ali, Tanzid Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan, Mahedi Hasan
Grade D: Nasum Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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