Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials have expressed confidence that Shakib Al Hasan will have no issues playing in the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, scheduled for mid-October.
Shakib, a former member of parliament from the Awami League, has not returned to Bangladesh since the party’s fall from power, raising doubts about his availability.
These concerns stem from his inclusion among 156 people accused in the murder of Mohammad Rubel during protests in Dhaka. Despite this, the BCB emphasized that Shakib will continue playing until proven guilty, having already participated in Test series against Pakistan and India.
“I think the honourable chief adviser, law adviser, and sports adviser have spoken very clearly regarding Shakib Al Hasan,” said Shahriar Nafees, head of BCB’s cricket operations. “There is a clear message from the Bangladesh government that no one will be harassed unfairly in the cases that have been filed.”
Nafees added, “We believe the interim government has made its position very clear on Shakib. Unless there is an injury or selection issue, I personally don’t see any reason why Shakib should not play in the home series.”
Bangladesh is set to host South Africa for two Tests, with the first beginning on October 21 in Dhaka, followed by the second in Chattogram on October 29.