"Clear message from the Bangladesh government" - BCB assures Shakib Al Hasan won't be harassed on returning to Bangladesh
Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) Chief of Cricket Operations Shahriar Nafees has given the country's government's assurance that all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan won't be harassed on returning home. Nafees declared that he sees no reason why the former captain can't play home matches unless there is an injury.
With widespread anti-government protests happening in Bangladesh a few weeks ago, the ex-skipper was one of the 147 people named in an FIR for a murder case last month in Dhaka. The case relates to the death of Mohammed Rubel, who was reportedly shot during the protests on August 5 and died a couple of days later.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday (September 24), Nafees said the Bangladesh government has strictly advised against anyone to be treated unfairly due to the cases filed. (via ESPNcricinfo)
"I think the honourable chief adviser, law adviser and sports adviser have spoken very clearly regarding Shakib Al Hasan. 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."
At the time of the protests, the 37-year-old was in Canada playing in the Global T20. He flew to Pakistan from there to partake in the two-Test series before coming to India.
Shakib Al Hasan doubtful for 2nd Test against India
Meanwhile, spin-bowling all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan remains doubtful for the second Test against India, beginning in Kanpur on September 27 due to a finger injury suffered during batting in the first Test. The southpaw needed some treatment after copping a blow off Jasprit Bumrah's bowling. Member of BCB's selection panel Hannan Sarkar said about the veteran's selection chances, as quoted by Cricbuzz, on Monday:
"We are heading to Kanpur tomorrow (Tuesday) and today is a day off. We will have two sessions afterwards and we will judge after that and we don't want to make a decision yet. These two days, the physio has kept him under observation. When we get back to the ground, we will get the physio's feedback."
Bangladesh are 1-0 down in the series after losing by 280 runs in Chennai. The tourists could make some changes to their XI to level the rubber. The Tigers have slipped to sixth spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) table after the defeat in Chennai.