Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan can play for the national cricket team, and will be considered for inclusion in the next match, said Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Director Amzad Hussain on Saturday.
Amzad Hussain announced BCB’s decision in this regard in a press briefing held after a board meeting.
At the BCB meeting, the board members decided Shakib will be considered for inclusion in all the future home and away matches given he is available, fit and capable, Amzad said at the presser.
BCB will also issue necessary “No Objection Certificates (NOC)” to allow Shakib to take part in his desired international franchise leagues, BCB decided in the meeting, according to Amzad.
This was the third meeting of the board under President Aminul Islam Bulbul. The board has already offered him to sign the central contract with BCB, and has raised the number of potential players under the contract to 27.
Shakib has already expressed his desire to retire from cricket following a home match, Amzad told reporters. BCB has been recently communicating with Shakib to bring him back into the home side, the BCB media committee chairman added.
BCB President Aminul Islam will discuss with senior government figures the legal and security issues that have barred Shakib’s entry into Bangladesh since the July-August 2024 uprising.
It is up to the government and courts to take decisions over the issues, while BCB considers Shakib “purely as a cricketer” and wants him in the national team, Amzad Hussain said.
Shakib has remained absent from national matches since the uprising toppled Awami League (AL) government due to his ties to the now banned party. Shakib was a lawmaker from Awami League, but was staying abroad during the July-August 2024 political upheaval.
Since the uprising, corruption and murder cases have been filed against Shakib, due in major part to his AL involvement. Following the uprising, the government failed to ensure his safe return home amid violent protests against the cricketer.
Courtesy: Daily Sun.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
