Shakib Al Hasan's availability for home Test series against South Africa in question amid legal troubles

Shakib Al Hasan's availability for the much-anticipated home Test series against South Africa next month appears secure, barring any injury setbacks or selection dilemmas, according to a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official on Monday.

The question of Shakib's participation arises amidst scrutiny following a murder case filed against him linked to the death of a garment worker during mass protests on August 5. Shakib, a former lawmaker from the recently ousted Awami League government, is among 146 accused in the case, which was registered at Dhaka's Adabor Police Station on August 22.

BCB’s cricket operations in-charge, Shahriar Nafees, reassured reporters in Mirpur about the interim government's stance. "I think the Hon'ble Chief Adviser, Hon'ble Law Adviser, and Hon'ble Sports Adviser have spoken very clearly regarding Shakib Al Hasan. There is a clear message from the Bangladesh government that no one will be harassed unfairly in the cases that have been filed," he stated.

He emphasized that unless Shakib faces an injury or selection issue, there is no apparent reason for him to miss the home series. “It is the responsibility of the selectors to select. When they announce the squad, we will know who is in and who is not. I personally don't see any reason as of now why Shakib Al Hasan should not play,” Nafees concluded.

Earlier, on August 28, Dr. Asif Nazrul, the adviser for law, justice, and parliamentary affairs to the interim government, expressed optimism that Shakib would not face arrest upon his return to Bangladesh. “There's only a case filed against Shakib. I hope he will not be arrested,” he remarked.

Currently, Shakib is in Chennai with the national team, who are preparing to leave for Kanpur on Tuesday for the second and final Test after suffering a crushing 280-run defeat to India in the series opener. His participation in the upcoming match remains in doubt due to a finger injury that limited him to bowling only 21 overs without taking a wicket during the first Test. Furthermore, he has been dealing with an eye issue, which was evident during the match, as he was seen biting the helmet strap while batting, managing scores of 32 and 25 runs.

After completion of the ongoing three-match Test series between India and Bangladesh, South Africa are expected to arrive in Dhaka on October 16 before the first Test begins in Mirpur from October 21, followed by the series-concluding match in Chattogram on October 29.