BCB receives legal notice seeking all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's ban
What's the story
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has received a legal notice that demands the immediate removal of cricketer Shakib Al Hasan from all forms of cricket. The notice was sent by Rafiqul Islam's lawyers, after his son was killed in Dhaka's Adabor on August 5. Star all-rounder Shakib, a reputed figure in Bangladesh, was named in an FIR along with 146 others. It all happened during the infamous riots in Bangladesh that led to Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina's ouster.
Case
Murder case filed against Shakib and others
As reported earlier, the murder case was lodged at the Adabor police station on August 22 by Rubel's father, Rafiqul Islam. Along with Shakib, 154 local Awami League leaders and activists were alsoß implicated in Rubel's death. The then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is also among those accused. An additional group of 400-500 unnamed individuals were also mentioned in the case.
Notice details
Legal notice cites ICC rules, demands Shakib's return
The legal notice, served Advocate Md Rafinur Rahman, refers to International Cricket Council (ICC) rules that prohibit a national team player involved in a criminal case from playing. It also urges the BCB to facilitate Shakib's return to Bangladesh for the investigation. The star all-rounder is currently in Pakistan for the two-match Test series. However, BCB President Faruque Ahmed has stated that they have not yet received any such notice.
Decision
BCB to decide on Shakib's future post Pakistan Test
Ahmed has stated that any decision regarding Shakib will be made ahead of the 2nd Test against Pakistan scheduled to start on August 30 in Rawalpindi. "After tomorrow, once the game is over, we will sit and take a decision," he said. Shakib's return to Bangladesh remains uncertain due to operational difficulties faced by BCB following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government.
Future
Shakib's future participation in cricket remains uncertain
A deadline for Shakib is yet to be ascertained, which allows him to continue participating in the series against Pakistan. As of now, Shakib is scheduled to visit India for the Test series in September. The 37-year-old has earlier made himself available for the same, as confirmed by BCB director Nazmul Abedeen Fahim. However, the ongoing criminal case could jeopardize his participation.