Bangladesh Cricket Board’s head, Faruque Ahmed, is hopeful that cricket star Shakib al Hasan could make a comeback if legal and safety issues are taken care of. During a Dhaka event, Ahmed pointed out that the final call rests with Shakib and admitted that reasons beyond the board’s grasp kept Shakib away from recent ODI squads.
Shakib al Hasan, a jewel of Bangladesh cricket, is on unsteady ground. Once connected in the past with the toppled Awami League and tied up in a visible legal battle, Shakib’s clearance hasn’t arrived from law enforcement or the government. This has blocked him from international cricket, namely two significant ODI series against Afghanistan and West Indies. Ahmed acknowledged the board can do little but expressed trust in Shakib. “I can’t give a firm yes or no about Shakib al Hasan. I want to see him on the pitch, but his absence isn’t due to the cricket board. Legal and court matters stand in his way. It’s tough for me to tackle this,” said the BCB chief.
Shakib, who bid both Test and T20I formats farewell, wants to play ODI cricket until the Champions Trophy. However, his mental readiness to join the national team is dubious. Ahmed specified, “Playing in foreign leagues and for the national team are distinct. The national team calls for a certain mix, and Shakib doesn’t seem mentally ready to pitch in at that intensity now. We’ve left this choice to him.”
In the same gathering, Ahmed highlighted what’s coming up in the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s roadmap. This includes a potential Women’s BPL. He recognized the various obstacles in the way but reassured everyone about the board’s dedication to boost women’s cricket. “A Women’s BPL is a great concept! Women’s cricket has gotten our full attention. We’re committed to enhancing their opportunities. Hosting the Women’s BPL is something we must critically look at. We’re determined to make it work as best as we can,” he expressed.
Discussions on the Men’s BPL’s difficulties, such as financial struggles and franchises neglecting their monetary commitments, were also touched on. He ensured the entry of seven teams for the next season amidst these challenges. “We’ve taken legal routes for franchises who didn’t settle last season’s dues. Four to five teams, like the Chittagong Kings, have significant outstanding payments. The Kings have a smaller debt which we’ve addressed, but not fully resolved yet. We’re hopeful to recoup the funds soon,” he outlined. Ahmed underlined the importance of enduring franchise agreements and improved selection procedures for a stronger league. “Short-lived franchises aren’t the best route. Whoever is leading next term, I hope most teams will commit for the long haul,” his concluding point was.
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Even with complications, Ahmed shows the board is ready to welcome Shakib al Hasan back, legal and security issues considered. Shakib’s absence has left a gap in Bangladesh’s ODI. His leadership and experience could be crucial for the Champions Trophy preparation.
As a key player, Shakib al Hasan’s outstanding skills and related controversies make him a notable figure in Bangladesh cricket. Whether he’ll put on the national jersey again depends on other factors, but Ahmed’s statement offers hope to excited fans. There are aplenty of changes and challenges in Bangladesh cricket, however, the focus on Shakib al Hasan’s potential return keeps the cricket world intrigued.
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