Bangladesh Cricket Board president Faruque Ahmed said on Sunday that he still holds out hope to see Shakib Al Hasan represent his country with law agencies and the government set to clear the allrounder for international competition.
The 37-year-old’s Bangladesh career went up in doubt after the fall of the Awami League government, to whom he is still perceived to have links. The allrounder is also implicated in a murder case, and is yet to be given the all-clear from authorities back home to play for his country.
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Ahmed says that Shakib Al Hasan continues to have the ability to contribute to the team, but to return to the national team fold will be a decision in his own hands.
“As for Shakib Al Hasan, I cannot provide a definitive answer. I want him to play, but his absence is not related to the cricket board. The reasons preventing his participation involve law enforcement and the court. It’s not easy for me to address this,” Ahmed was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. “If the issue is resolved, I still believe Shakib has the ability to play for the national team.”
“However, playing in franchise leagues abroad and playing for the national team are not the same. The national team requires a certain combination, and Shakib doesn’t seem to be in the mental state to contribute at that level right now. We’ve left this decision to him,” Ahmed added.
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Shakib Al Hasan has announced his retirement from Tests and T20Is — his plan to play a final Test on home soil in the recently concluded series against South Africa was ruined by personal security concerns — but he has said he still wishes to play the Champions Trophy next year for Bangladesh.
Shakib Al Hasan hopes to play ODI cricket until the Champions Trophy next year. (AP) 
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