The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will continue to represent Bangladesh while his legal situation unfolds. This decision comes despite Shakib’s involvement in a First Information Report (FIR) related to a murder case amid recent unrest and a legal notice demanding his immediate removal from cricket.
Initially, BCB officials suggested that a decision on Shakib’s future participation would be made after the opening Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. However, the legal matter intensified when Shajib Mahmood Alam, a Supreme Court lawyer acting on behalf of Advocate Md Rafinur Rahman, issued a legal notice to the BCB. The notice called for Shakib’s immediate exclusion from cricket, citing International Cricket Council (ICC) rules that bar players involved in legal cases from national teams. It also demanded Shakib’s cooperation with the investigation and urged the BCB to notify the ICC.
BCB President Faruque Ahmed confirmed Shakib’s continued involvement in an interview with Bengali daily Prothom Alo. Ahmed stated, “He [Shakib] will continue playing. We received a legal notice regarding his removal, and we responded accordingly.” He explained that, as the FIR is in its early stages and Shakib’s guilt has not been established, Shakib will stay with the team. “The Bangladesh team will go to India after the Pakistan series, and we want him there as well. He is our contracted player, and we will provide him with legal assistance if needed,” Ahmed added.
Despite his legal issues, Shakib will fulfill his international and domestic commitments. He will not return to Bangladesh with the team after the Test series against Pakistan, as he is scheduled to play a four-day match for Surrey in England. The BCB has issued him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the County game against Somerset from September 5 to 14.
A BCB official confirmed Shakib’s participation to Cricbuzz, explaining, “He [Shakib] has not played red-ball cricket for a while, and this opportunity with Surrey will help him readjust to the format.” The match between Surrey and Somerset is set for September 9 to 12. Following his county cricket stint, Shakib will rejoin the national squad for the series in India, which includes two Tests and three T20Is starting September 19.
As legal proceedings continue, the BCB’s stance reflects a commitment to due process while maintaining focus on upcoming international fixtures.