Shahriar Nafees Reveals When Shakib Will Return, Availability Does Not Mean Selection

Shakib Al Hasan is not just a cricketer; he was also a Member of Parliament. However, the Parliament has been dissolved by the President of Bangladesh's order. As a result, Shakib's current identity is solely that of a cricketer. Shakib is currently in Canada, playing in the Global T20 League, and has a tour of Pakistan ahead. When will Shakib return to the country?

In response to a journalist's question about Shakib's return, Cricket Operations Manager Shahriar Nafees said, "Shakib Al Hasan has an NOC (No Objection Certificate) until August 12. He is expected to return on August 13 or report to us by then. Today is August 7. He has a few more games left. I will contact him."

There are concerns about Shakib’s security in the country due to his lack of support for student movements and his association with an authoritarian government. Will the BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) provide him with special security? In response, Nafees said:

“There is a security matter. It’s not just about Shakib Al Hasan. There is also a matter of your security, as well as that of my senior colleagues. Shakib Al Hasan is now a cricketer. As per the President’s order, he is no longer a Member of Parliament. He is a cricketer now.”

Shahriar Nafees further stated, "Since his NOC is valid until August 12, he is expected to join the Bangladesh cricket team afterward. The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s selection panel has not yet announced the squad for the Pakistan series. When they announce it, if he is included in the team, it will be one scenario. If he is not included, it will be another."

There is uncertainty about Shakib’s participation in the Pakistan series, as reflected in Nafees’s comments: “The question is whether Shakib Al Hasan will be available. Another issue is whether he will be selected. Everyone understands the literal difference.”