For the 2011 Indian Premier League, Shakib was contracted by Kolkata Knight Riders for US$425,000. He made his debut in the tournament on 15 April in a match against Rajasthan Royals. He claimed two wickets in the match, first that of Amit Paunikar and then Shane Watson, but did not get the chance to bat as his team only lost a wicket, winning by 9 wickets. KKR were knocked out in the semi-finals of the competition; Shakib played in seven matches, taking 11 wickets at an average of 15.90, and finished as KKR's third-highest wicket-taker.