Bangladesh Cricket Board vice president and former national captain Faruque Ahmed has said the board still wants Shakib Al Hasan back in the national side. He said Shakib remains important for Bangladesh and can still contribute if he meets the requirements.
Speaking to reporters, Faruque made it clear that the discussion about Shakib’s return has been ongoing for a long time. He said the board has continued its effort and believes there is still a chance.
“The cricket board definitely wants him. As I said, I have wanted this for a year and the board still wants it. If he comes, he is an asset for us, a brand. I think he still has the ability to give that. Of course it depends on selection. I believe my former player still has the ability now,” Faruque said.
Faruque explained that the board’s role is to check Shakib’s fitness and consider him for selection, while other matters are handled elsewhere. He also hinted that the situation has moved forward and updates may come soon.
“The cricket board always wants Shakib to play for Bangladesh if he is fit and selected. This matter is ongoing and has moved forward a lot. I think you will get some news very soon. But let me add, checking his fitness and selecting him is the board’s part. His other issues are not in the board’s hands. Those are handled by the government,” he said.
He also spoke about Bangladesh’s absence from the recent T20 World Cup. Faruque said the decision was taken because of security concerns and was not up to the players.
“When you go to an international ICC event, then the responsibility lies fully with the cricket board and the government first. Ensuring security for every series is mainly the responsibility of the country, along with the cricket board… So this call was not the players’ call at all. Like the players, we all regret that we could not play the World Cup,” he said.
Faruque added that the government had already explained its position after the Mustafizur Rahman issue and the board followed that stance.
“You know, the responsibility was not really on the BCB alone. If you remember the first press conference, after the incident involving Mustafizur, the government explained their stance from the very beginning. After that the cricket board only followed,” he said.
With domestic cricket going on and an ODI series against Pakistan ahead, Bangladesh now focus on team plans and player form. Faruque’s comments show that if conditions are right, the board would welcome Shakib back in Bangladesh colours.
