The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Tuesday (August 27) that veteran allrounder Shakib Al Hasan will continue to represent Bangladesh until proven guilty, following his inclusion in a First Information Report (FIR) related to a murder case amid the recent unrest in Bangladesh.
BCB officials had previously indicated that they would review Shakib’s participation after the opening Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
In response to the accusation, Shajib Mahmood Alam, a Supreme Court lawyer, issued a legal notice to the BCB on Saturday, demanding Shakib’s immediate removal from all forms of cricket.
The notice, which has been seen by Cricpulse, asserts that Shakib’s involvement in the case disqualifies him from remaining in the national team under International Cricket Council (ICC) rules.
The notice also requests Shakib’s prompt return to Bangladesh to expedite the investigation and urges the ICC to be informed of the situation.
In response, BCB president Faruque Ahmed stated, “He [Shakib] will continue playing.
We received a legal notice requesting his return and replied indicating that he will continue to play.”
He added, “The FIR is still in its initial stages, and many steps are required before a resolution.
Until Shakib is proven guilty, he will remain part of the team.
We want him available for the upcoming series in India after the Pakistan series.”
Shakib will not return with the Bangladesh team after the Test series against Pakistan, as he is scheduled to travel to England for a four-day match with Surrey.
The BCB has granted him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play for Surrey from September 5 to 14 against Somerset.
A BCB official noted, “Shakib has not played red-ball cricket for some time, so we have given him an NOC to help him adjust to red-ball cricket.”
The match between Surrey and Somerset will take place from September 9 to 12.
Following his stint with Surrey, Shakib will join the Bangladesh squad for their tour of India, which includes two Tests and three T20Is starting September 19.
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