Shakib to continue playing for national team until proven guilty
Shakib, being one of the team's key players and under a central contract with the BCB for all three formats, will receive legal support from the board during this period. The BCB sees it as their duty to stand by him, according to BCB President Faruk Ahmed, who shared this with TBS.
Recently, Shakib Al Hasan was named as an accused in a murder case.
The following day, a Supreme Court lawyer sent a legal notice to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The notice requested that Shakib be excluded from the national team and brought back to the country in the interest of the investigation.
On that same day, BCB President Faruque Ahmed stated that a decision regarding Shakib would be made before the second Test.
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A few days later, the BCB clarified its position on Shakib. The BCB President told The Business Standard that Shakib will continue to play for the national team until he is proven guilty in the case. On Tuesday, the BCB responded to the legal notice, reiterating this stance.
A few days ago, the BCB President had mentioned that there was no barrier to Shakib playing and that he would not be removed midway through the series.
The BCB has maintained this decision. Speaking to TBS over the phone, Faruque said, "We are sticking to our previous decision regarding Shakib. Today, we have responded to the legal notice. Until the matter takes any shape or Shakib is proven guilty, he will continue to play. This is what we have stated in our response."
Shakib is under contract with the BCB across all formats—Test, ODI, and T20I. He is one of the team's top players and a contracted cricketer. The BCB considers it their responsibility to stand by Shakib during this time. Faruque added that Shakib would receive legal assistance from the BCB, saying, "Since he is a contracted cricketer with the BCB, we will provide him with legal support."
Shakib is currently with the Bangladesh team on their tour of Pakistan. The experienced left-handed all-rounder played a crucial role in the historic Test win against Pakistan.
While he couldn't contribute much with the bat in his lone innings, he made an impact with the ball. The left-arm spinner took one wicket in Pakistan's first innings and claimed three key wickets in their second innings, including during crucial moments.
Shakib was named in a murder case as the one who allegedly ordered the killing of garment worker Rubel during the anti-discrimination student movement.
Rubel's father, Rafiqul Islam, filed the case at Adabor Police Station on 22 AUGUST. Shakib has been listed as the 28th accused in the charge sheet. Among the other accused are former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, and 156 others, along with 500 unidentified individuals.
