NEWS
Follow UsShahriar Nafees, the head of the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) cricket operations, has revealed that star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will in no way be harassed when he returns to the country. Shakib, who was part of the Awami League government, has not been in Bangladesh since the anti-government protests began on August 5, which led to Sheikh Hasina's resignation as Prime Minister.
Shakib is among 147 people who have been named in the chargesheet for the murder of Mohammed Rubel, who succumbed to his injuries that he sustained during the protests. Bangladesh are scheduled to play a couple of Tests against Bangladesh in October, which are part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle.
"I think the honourable chief adviser, law adviser and sports adviser have spoken very clearly regarding Shakib Al Hasan," Nafees said, according to ESPNCricinfo.
"There is a clear message from the Bangladesh government that no one will be harassed unfairly in the cases that have been filed. We believe the interim government has made its position very clear on Shakib. Unless there is an injury problem or a selection-related issue, I personally don't see any reason as of now why Shakib Al Hasan should not play in Bangladesh in the home series."
Since the start of the protests, Shakib has been in Canada, playing the Global T20, then he travelled to Pakistan for a couple of Tests followed by a County match for Surrey in Taunton before participating in the first Test against India in Chennai, which his side lost by 280 runs.
After the second Test against India in Kanpur, starting September 27, the two teams will clash in a three-match T20 International (T20I) series on October 6, 9 and 12. Shakib is doubtful for the second Test after sustaining a finger injury during the first Test.
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