Bangladesh Cricket Board president, Faruque Ahmed, said Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal can play in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Recently, chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain mentioned he is unsure about their participation. Shakib faced political hurdles that kept him from entering the country and was in the spotlight for a suspected bowling action. He needs clearance to bowl internationally and in domestic games. The majestic all-rounder has already announced his retirement from Tests and T20Is. Meanwhile, Tamim started preparing for the BPL by participating in the NCL T20, scoring two half-centuries, showing he’s still got it after a seven-month break.
Tamim Iqbal has been away from international cricket since last year after a dispute with the previous BCB management under Nazmul Hassan Papon.
Faruque on Shakib’s selection
Faruque mentioned that since the senior players haven’t retired, there’s technically nothing stopping them from being selected if the selectors believe they’re needed for the national team.
“If any player does not retire then he is definitely available for selection (for the Champions Trophy),” Faruque told reporters after the board meeting. Faruque explained that Shakib’s situation is unique, and his future decisions are not clear to him. Regarding Tamim, the selectors need to discuss his future if they feel he is needed for the team.
Faruque mentioned they will decide on Najmul Hossain’s captaincy after his tenure ends in December. Najmul initially didn’t want to continue as captain but was convinced otherwise.“We will decide after December (regarding Shanto’s captaincy),” he added.
Shakib is arguably Bangaladesh’s greatest cricketer and one of the sport’s greatest all-rounders with more than 700 wickets and nearly 15,000 runs to his name in international cricket.
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Shakib going through tough times
Shakib is facing murder charges in Bangladesh, along with several members of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party, for allegedly being involved in a deadly police crackdown on protesters in July and August. Shakib last played an international cricket was against India, where he played a two-match Test series. Talking about ODIs, he hasn’t played any matches after the 2023 World Cup in India.
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