BCB to decide on Shakib’s future after India tour

The first board meeting of the new Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruk Ahmed included several important decisions, including the issue concerning Shakib Al Hasan. Currently occupied with the Pakistan series, Shakib will soon move on to play county cricket in England and participate in the upcoming series in India. The BCB will decide on Shakib’s situation after the India tour, given the murder case allegations against him.

Recently, Shakib Al Hasan has faced turmoil due to political changes in Bangladesh. He was a member of parliament elected by the Awami League. After the fall of the Hasina government amid student and public protests in July and August, Shakib lost his parliamentary seat. Although his political party lost power, Shakib remains a national team cricketer. However, he has been accused in a murder case, casting a shadow over both Shakib and Bangladesh cricket.

Despite the murder case allegations, Shakib Al Hasan played in the first Test in Rawalpindi. The political instability has not affected his cricketing performance, and he will continue to play in the upcoming matches and series, with the BCB's support. After the Pakistan series, Shakib will not return to Bangladesh immediately. He will travel to England to play county cricket, for which he had already obtained an NOC (No Objection Certificate).

In mid-September, Shakib will travel to India for national team assignments, including Test and ODI series. Whether he will continue to play for the national team while abroad or participate in domestic series will be decided after the India tour. Faruk Ahmed provided the following update:

"We are still in the same position regarding Shakib. If his case does not move in any direction, he will be able to play. We have communicated that."

"He has an NOC, and we know he is set to play county cricket for Surrey. He obtained the NOC before I came. He may not return (to Bangladesh) and will play the India series from abroad, given the NOC. After the India series, we will decide on the next plan of action."

This was Faruk Ahmed’s first board meeting as BCB President. He shared these details with the media after the 13th board meeting.