Shakib Al Hasan named Bangladesh Tigers captain for Asian Legends League

Akhtar Rahman

31/07/2026 · 4 min read

Former Bangladesh captain and star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to take on a key leadership role once again on the franchise circuit. With Shakib Al Hasan named Bangladesh Tigers captain for Asian Legends League, anticipation is building among fans who are eager to watch the iconic cricketer skipper a side packed with former national teammates in an exciting international competition. Although he is no longer playing for the Bangladesh national team, Shakib continues to maintain a remarkably active schedule across global cricket tournaments.

Shakib recently featured in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States and is currently playing in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL). Amid his hectic schedule, his official appointment as captain of the Bangladesh Tigers for the upcoming Asian Legends League reinforces his ongoing status as one of the most sought-after veteran all-rounders in modern franchise cricket.

Contents

1 A Familiar Lineup: Bangladesh Tigers Squad
2 Tournament Format, Schedule, and Venue: All Eyes on Zambia
3 Star-Studded Rivalries: Asian Legends Assemble in Zambia
4 Shakib Al Hasan’s Ongoing Franchise Legacy

A Familiar Lineup: Bangladesh Tigers Squad

Shakib Al Hasan will not be alone in representing Bangladesh on this international stage. Joining him in the Bangladesh Tigers squad are several notable former national cricketers who have represented the country across various formats and eras. The squad features experienced international names including Alok Kapali, Tushar Imran, Mehedi Maruf, Ariful Haque, Shafiul Islam, and Mukhtar Ali.

The roster offers a strong balance of experience and skill across departments:

Alok Kapali: The veteran middle-order batter and useful leg-spinner known for his historic international performances.
Tushar Imran: One of Bangladesh’s most prolific domestic run-scorers with extensive experience in top-level cricket.
Mehedi Maruf: An aggressive opening batsman capable of providing rapid starts at the top of the order.
Ariful Haque: A hard-hitting all-rounder experienced in middle-order finishing and pace bowling.
Shafiul Islam: A seasoned fast bowler who led the national pace attack across multiple formats.
Mukhtar Ali: A useful medium-pace all-rounder skilled at delivering in key match situations.

Tournament Format, Schedule, and Venue: All Eyes on Zambia

The upcoming Asian Legends League promises to deliver fast-paced action across nearly two weeks of competitive cricket. The tournament is scheduled to begin on July 30 and will run until August 10. In an exciting move for Asian franchise cricket, all matches of the Asian Legends League will be hosted in Zambia, bringing world-class Asian cricket talent to the African continent.

The tournament will feature six competing teams:

Bangladesh Tigers: Led by captain Shakib Al Hasan alongside seasoned Bangladeshi internationals.
Asian Stars: A composite team featuring prominent talent from across the continent.
Indian Royals: Representing India with a lineup of celebrated international veterans.
Pakistan Panthers: Featuring iconic Pakistani match-winners and international stars.
Afghanistan Pathans: Showcasing dynamic hitting and bowling talent from Afghanistan.
Sri Lankan Lions: Comprising World Cup winners and marquee Sri Lankan icons.

Star-Studded Rivalries: Asian Legends Assemble in Zambia

The Asian Legends League is set to feature an impressive lineup of marquee names from across Asia, making the competition a captivating showcase for cricket enthusiasts. Competing against Shakib’s Bangladesh Tigers will be opposition teams boasting immense international pedigree.

The Pakistan Panthers squad brings formidable experience with veterans such as fast bowler Wahab Riaz, dynamic all-rounder Shoaib Malik, and former national captain Mohammad Hafeez.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Lions lineup features legendary wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Sangakkara alongside explosive all-rounder Thisara Perera, bringing unmatched experience to their squad.

The Indian Royals will field a high-profile lineup that includes star opener Shikhar Dhawan, skilled wicketkeeper-finisher Dinesh Karthik, and legendary spin bowler Harbhajan Singh.

The Afghanistan Pathans roster features powerful opening batsman Hazratullah Zazai and former national captain Asghar Afghan, adding aggressive flair and leadership to their campaign.

Shakib Al Hasan’s Ongoing Franchise Legacy

Even as he transitions away from national team duty, Shakib Al Hasan’s appetite for competitive cricket remains as strong as ever. From playing in Major League Cricket to featuring in the Lanka Premier League and now taking charge of the Bangladesh Tigers in Zambia, Shakib continues to showcase his enduring commitment to the game. As the Asian Legends League prepares for its July 30 start, fans around the world will be watching closely to see how captain Shakib Al Hasan guides his team against Asia’s legendary figures.

Akhtar Rahman

Akhtar Rahman is a senior cricket correspondent for Prothom Alo, respected for his detailed reporting on Bangladesh’s fast‑bowling evolution and the domestic structures that fuel it. A University of Rajshahi graduate, he grew up far from the Dhaka spotlight, which gave him a unique perspective on the talent emerging from the country’s northern and western divisions. Akhtar covers the Bangladesh national team across all formats and is a regular in the BPL press box, where his post‑match analysis combines sharp data insights with a coach’s eye for seam position and bowling workloads. He also tracks age‑group tournaments meticulously, having profiled many young quicks before they received their first national call‑up. A recipient of Prothom Alo’s top sports honour and a BSPA award, Akhtar is known for his calm, evidence‑driven approach to cricket writing and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of sports journalists in Bangladesh.