Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s star cricketer, is expected to return home for the upcoming Test series against South Africa despite being named in a murder case. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed confidence that Shakib will not face any legal hurdles upon his arrival.
The case stems from the death of Mohammed Rubel, who was fatally wounded during anti-government protests in Dhaka on August 5. Shakib, who was a member of parliament at the time, was among 147 people named in the murder case.
However, the BCB’s cricket operations chief, Shahriar Nafees, stated that the caretaker government has clarified that Shakib will not be “harassed.” He cited statements from the chief adviser, law adviser, and sports adviser, who have emphasized that no one will be unfairly targeted in the cases filed.
“We believe the interim government has made its position very clear on Shakib,” Nafees said. “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.”
Shakib’s return to Bangladesh has been a topic of speculation since the murder case was filed. Last month, Bangladesh’s law adviser, Asif Nazrul, expressed hope that Shakib would not be arrested.
Despite the legal concerns, Shakib has received support from his Bangladesh teammates. However, his silence during the student-led protests has also drawn criticism.
Bangladesh is currently in India for a series of Tests and T20Is. They are scheduled to play two home Tests against South Africa in October. CSA’s security team has completed its evaluation of Dhaka and Chattogram, where the Tests will be played, and is expected to inform the BCB about its decision later this week.
