2024-09-24 23:06:27
Published: 11:01, 24 September 2024
After the fall of the Awami League government in the popular coup, Shakib Al Hasan is playing in the national team jersey outside the country. Shakib is currently in India with the team after the historic two Tests against Pakistan. This left-handed all-rounder played the Chennai Test. After the Kanpur Test, Shakib will be seen playing a three-match T20 series.
Bangladesh’s next bilateral series is against South Africa at home in October. There is uncertainty about whether Shakib will be available in the series in the country. Because, after the fall of the government, there was a case of murder against the former parliament member Shakib and a legal notice was sent to BCB to bring him back to the country. BCBO also sent a counter-notice to clarify its position. BCB has cleared that Shakib will continue to play until he is found guilty.
There is concern about whether Shakib will get into any trouble when he returns to the country. However, Shahriar Nafees, the former cricketer and BCB’s cricket operations in-charge, dismissed that concern.
He said, ‘Regarding Shakib Al Hasan, the Honorable Chief Adviser, Honorable Legal Adviser and Honorable Sports Adviser have said very clearly. There is a clear message from the government of Bangladesh that no one will be unjustly harassed in the cases that have taken place. The interim government has made its position very clear on Shakib. Unless there is an injury problem and there is no selection issue, I don’t see any reason for Shakib Al Hasan not to play in the home series so far.’
BCB president Farooq Ahmed has promised to provide all kinds of support to Shakib when he returns home. BCB will ensure legal aid, security and adequate practice facilities.
Meanwhile, a four-member delegation from South Africa inspected the BCB’s security arrangements at the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Mirpur yesterday. They expressed satisfaction with the security system of Chittagong and Dhaka. The South African cricket team is scheduled to set foot in Dhaka on October 16 to play two Tests.
Yasin/Rafiq