The board is not involved in the absence of Shakib: BCB CEO

Shakib Al Hasan, who announced his retirement from Tests during the India tour, intended to play his last Test at home. However, he did not return to Bangladesh due to the ongoing protests. After leaving for Bangladesh and reaching Dubai, the government advised Shakib against further travel for his own safety. Many believed that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was partially responsible for this, but BCB president Faruque Ahmed clarified that the board had no connection with Shakib’s inability to return.

Despite the uncertainty, BCB included Shakib in the squad for the first Test against South Africa. However, the situation escalated when news of his return sparked protests outside the Mirpur Stadium, with some demanding his exclusion from the team and others calling for his play. Clashes between the two sides even led to police intervention in the form of baton charges. Ultimately, Shakib could not return and missed the farewell Test.

BCB has not issued any official statement regarding Shakib’s non-return or participation in the last Test, nor has any official commented on the matter. However, BCB chairman Faruque spoke on the matter for the first time ahead of today’s board meeting, stating: “It is a matter for the government, law enforcement and Shakib; BCB has no responsibility here.”

Speaking in Mirpur on Wednesday, the BCB chief said: “You mentioned that he couldn’t come back to play his last Test… we were not involved in any way. This is solely a matter for law enforcement, the government and Shakib. Al Hasan. We were ready to support him as much as we could, and I did everything in my power to ensure Shakib left the country.

Apart from being a cricketer, Shakib was also a Member of Parliament. He was elected in January as the ruling Awami League candidate from Magura-1 constituency. Faruque reminded everyone that Shakib’s identity goes beyond that of a cricketer, saying, “Shakib is not just a player now. He has the position of a former member of parliament of the previous government and has certain sentiments surrounding him. The government’s outlook and the cricket board are not the same on this issue.”

The BCB chairman admitted that Shakib’s political stance added more factors to consider, saying: “As a former cricketer, I thought it would be better if a player who has devoted 17 years to the game, who is a brand ambassador for Bangladesh, can retire from the country’s career, but a consideration must be taken other factors should also be taken into account.”

He added: “Given these factors, he could not have arrived at the last minute and the board had no role in this. This is a legal matter that involves law enforcement. So it was a matter for Shakib and law enforcement. , not the management. If he came, management would ensure as much security as possible. Since he didn’t, there’s no point in discussing it further.

The Bangladesh team will travel to Dubai after the Test series against South Africa to play a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Shakib is being considered for this series and while the squad is yet to be finalized, Faruque has confirmed that Shakib remains available for selection. “As for Shakib Al Hasan… since the team has not been announced yet, I think he is available,” Faruque said.