No Shakib, Mahmudullah Opts Out as BCB Announces Bangladesh 2025 Central Contract List
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially announced its Bangladesh 2025 central contract list, bringing significant changes, including the exclusion of veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah’s voluntary opt-out. The announcement, made on March 10, 2025, introduces a new contract structure featuring five salary grades, rewarding players based on their performances and contributions.
The biggest talking point of the Bangladesh 2025 central contract is Shakib Al Hasan’s exclusion. Shakib, who last played for Bangladesh during the 2024 tour of India, has not been included in this year’s contract list. Meanwhile, Mahmudullah, who played in the Champions Trophy 2025, had requested not to be considered for a contract beyond February 2025. Initially, BCB included him for two months before removing him per his request.
In addition to Shakib, other notable omissions from the Bangladesh 2025 central contract list include:
❌ Zakir Hasan
❌ Mahmudul Hasan Joy
❌ Naeem Hasan
❌ Nurul Hasan
These players were part of the 2024 contract list but have missed out this year due to performance, fitness, and availability concerns.
Shakib Al Hasan’s Exclusion: What Led to This Decision?
📢 Why is Shakib Al Hasan not in the Bangladesh 2025 central contract list?
Shakib Al Hasan, arguably Bangladesh’s greatest cricketer, has been a central figure in the national team for over a decade. However, his inconsistent participation in international matches over the past year may have influenced BCB’s decision.
Possible Reasons for His Exclusion:
✔ Limited international appearances since Bangladesh’s 2024 India tour
✔ Focus on T20 franchise leagues over national commitments
✔ Injury concerns & fitness issues
✔ Uncertain long-term availability for Bangladesh
While BCB has not officially stated why Shakib was omitted from the Bangladesh 2025 central contract, it is evident that his reduced involvement in national team duties played a major role in this decision.
Mahmudullah Opts Out After February 2025
Unlike Shakib, Mahmudullah voluntarily opted out of the Bangladesh 2025 central contract list. The experienced batter was part of Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy squad, but he informed BCB that he did not wish to be considered for a contract beyond February 2025.
📌 BCB’s Response:
✅ Initially included him for two months
✅ Removed him from the contract list after February, per his request
While Mahmudullah’s international future remains uncertain, his exit from the Bangladesh 2025 central contract list suggests that he may be nearing retirement from international cricket.
Bangladesh 2025 Central Contract: Salary Structure & Categories
The Bangladesh 2025 central contract has been divided into five grades, with monthly salaries ranging from 10 lakh taka (Grade A+) to 2 lakh taka (Grade D).
📊 BCB 2025 Central Contract Salary Breakdown:
✔ Grade A+ (10 lakh taka/month) – Highest-paid category
✔ Grade A (8 lakh taka/month) – Senior key players
✔ Grade B (6 lakh taka/month) – Established performers
✔ Grade C (4 lakh taka/month) – Emerging players
✔ Grade D (2 lakh taka/month) – Young and fringe players
📌 Full List of Players & Their Grades in the Bangladesh 2025 Central Contract
📌 Grade A+ (10 lakh taka/month)
✅ Taskin Ahmed (Only player in this category)
📌 Grade A (8 lakh taka/month)
✅ Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
✅ Mehidy Hasan Miraz
✅ Litton Das
✅ Mushfiqur Rahim (Retired from ODIs)
📌 Grade B (6 lakh taka/month)
✅ Mominul Haque
✅ Taijul Islam
✅ Mustafizur Rahman
✅ Towhid Hridoy
✅ Hasan Mahmud
✅ Nahid Rana
📌 Grade C (4 lakh taka/month)
✅ Shadman Islam (Returned to the contract list after 2022)
✅ Soumya Sarkar (Returned after 2021)
✅ Jaker Ali
✅ Tanzid Hasan
✅ Shoriful Islam
✅ Rishad Hossain
✅ Tanzim Hasan
✅ Mahedi Hasan
📌 Grade D (2 lakh taka/month)
✅ Nasum Ahmed
✅ Khaled Ahmed
Surprising Exclusions & Notable Inclusions
❌ Players Dropped from the Bangladesh 2025 Central Contract List:
✔ Shakib Al Hasan (Not considered due to inactivity)
✔ Mahmudul Hasan Joy
✔ Zakir Hasan
✔ Naeem Hasan
✔ Nurul Hasan
🔙 Players Returning to the Contract List:
✅ Soumya Sarkar (First contract since 2021)
✅ Shadman Islam (First contract since 2022)
The return of Soumya Sarkar and Shadman Islam suggests that BCB is focusing on experienced players who can add depth to the national team setup.
Bangladesh’s Recent Performance & Future Matches
Bangladesh’s performance in the Champions Trophy 2025 was underwhelming, as they failed to win a single match.
📌 Champions Trophy 2025 Results:
❌ Lost to India
❌ Lost to New Zealand
❌ Match vs Pakistan washed out
Despite competitive performances, Bangladesh ended the tournament without a victory.
📅 Bangladesh’s Next Assignment:
🏏 Two-Test series vs Zimbabwe (April 20, 2025)
With several key players missing from the Bangladesh 2025 central contract list, Bangladesh will need to rebuild their squad as they prepare for upcoming Test and limited-overs matches.
The Future of Bangladesh Cricket Without Shakib & Mahmudullah
The exclusion of Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah from the Bangladesh 2025 central contract marks a transition period for Bangladesh cricket. The new generation of players must now step up and take the team forward.
🚀 Key Players to Watch for in 2025:
✔ Najmul Hossain Shanto (New leader in all formats)
✔ Mehidy Hasan Miraz (All-rounder with growing influence)
✔ Litton Das (One of Bangladesh’s most reliable batters)
✔ Taskin Ahmed (The spearhead of the pace attack)
✔ Nahid Rana (Emerging fast-bowling talent)
As Bangladesh transitions to a new era, fans will be eager to see how the team performs without its senior players.
🚀 Do you think BCB made the right decision by excluding Shakib? Should Mahmudullah have continued? Share your thoughts! 🏏🔥
