BCB assures murder accused Shakib Al Hasan won't be harassed on return to Bangladesh

Shakib has been named in a FIR related to a murder case during the protests in Bangladesh last month.

By Salman Anjum - 24 Sep, 2024

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed confidence that all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will not be “harassed” when he returns to the country following the completion of the ongoing India tour.

Notably, Shakib was named in a First Information Report (FIR) related to a murder case during the anti-government protests in Bangladesh last month.

“I think the honourable chief adviser, law adviser and sports adviser have spoken very clearly regarding Shakib Al Hasan,” Shahriar Nafees, BCB’s Cricket Operations in-charge, told ESPNCricinfo.

After the news of Shakib’s charges emerged, the BCB said that he would continue representing Bangladesh until he is found guilty.

“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,” Nafees added.

During the protests in early August, Shakib was plying his trade in Canada’s Global T20 League. He then toured Pakistan for a two-match Test series, and that was followed by a four-day match for English county side Surrey.

Subsequently, Shakib rejoined the Bangladesh team in India for their two-match Test series, which got underway on September 19 at Chepauk.

Shakib received support from his national teammates once the news of the murder charges broke out, with many of them sharing posts on social media. However, the all-rounder has chosen to remain silent on this matter.

Bangladesh will host South Africa in two Test matches next month, after the team’s Test and T20I series against India. The Tigers suffered a crushing 280-run defeat at the hands of India in the opening Test. Kanpur will host the second Test from September 27 onwards.

By Salman Anjum - 24 Sep, 2024

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