Dhaka, Sept. 30 -- Bangladesh's youth and sports adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan says Shakib Al Hasan will not be allowed to play for the national team again, escalating a two-day online spat that began with the cricketer's birthday greeting to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted last year after a 15-year rule marred by allegation of her authoritarian tendency and widespread corruption.

Speaking to a TV channel this week, Asif said he would issue a "clear instruction" to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB): "He cannot be allowed to carry Bangladesh's flag or wear its jersey. Shakib Al Hasan will never again play for the Bangladesh team."

The adviser's on-air declaration followed a rapid exchange of Facebook posts.

On S...