BCB served legal notice to ban Shakib Al Hasan, decision likely after first Test against Pakistan

BCB served legal notice to ban Shakib Al Hasan.

Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan’s position in the national team is under threat. The all-rounder is facing accusations in a murder case, and recently, Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Sajib Mahmood Alam, representing another SC lawyer, Md Rafinur Rahman, issued a legal notice to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The notice demands that Shakib be present in the country during the investigation.

According to International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, a national team is prohibited from fielding a player involved in an ongoing criminal case. Nevertheless, this has not prevented Shakib from participating in the current two-match Test series against Pakistan. Although he has been asked to return to Bangladesh, it remains uncertain whether this will actually occur.

Since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, the BCB has struggled to operate effectively. As they gradually regain stability, Shakib's return to Bangladesh may be delayed. Meanwhile, The Daily Star reports that no deadline has been set for Shakib’s return, allowing him to continue participating in the series against Pakistan.

It is also believed that Shakib will travel to India following the completion of the Pakistan series. The 37-year-old has made himself available for selection, as confirmed by BCB director Nazmul Abedeen Fahim. However, the ongoing criminal case could jeopardise his participation.

On August 22, a case was filed against Shakib in connection with the death of garment worker Md Rubel. Alongside Shakib and former Prime Minister Hasina, 156 named individuals and between 400 and 500 unidentified persons have also been implicated.

Shakib has not commented on the matter while he is engaged in international cricket. In the first Test against Pakistan, he conceded 100 runs in 27 overs and took the wicket of Agha Salman. With the bat, he scored just 15 runs. The match is likely to end in a draw unless a dramatic turn of events occurs on the final day.