Shakib Al Hasan set to play in SA Test series
Bangladesh's cricketing star, Shakib Al Hasan, is expected to participate in the upcoming home Test series against South Africa next month. This information was confirmed by a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official on Monday. The official stated that unless Shakib encounters an injury or selection issue, there's no apparent reason for him not to play in the two-match Test series.
Shakib's involvement in legal case raises questions
Speculations about Shakib's participation in the Test series arose due to his involvement in a murder case. The case was filed following the death of a garment worker during a mass protest on August 5. Shakib, a former lawmaker of the recently ousted Awami League government, is among 146 individuals accused in this case lodged at Dhaka's Adabor Police Station on August 22.
BCB official expresses confidence in Shakib's participation
Shahriar Nafees, the cricket operations in-charge at BCB, expressed his confidence in Shakib's participation. In an interaction with reporters in Mirpur, he stated that unless there is an injury problem or a selection-related issue, he personally doesn't see any reason why Shakib should not play in the home series. Nafees also emphasized that it is the responsibility of the selectors to decide who will be part of the squad.
Interim government's stance on Shakib's case
The interim government has also expressed its stance on Shakib's case. Dr Asif Nazrul, the adviser for law, justice and parliamentary affairs to the interim government, stated that he hopes Shakib will not be arrested when he returns to Bangladesh. "There's only a case filed against Shakib. I hope he will not be arrested," said Dr Nazrul on August 28.
Shakib's current health and performance concerns
Currently, Shakib is in Chennai with the national team preparing for their second Test against India in Kanpur. However, his participation is uncertain due to a finger injury sustained during the opening Test. Additionally, he is dealing with an eye problem which was evident during the match against India where he scored 32 and 25 runs in both innings.
